Categories Emerging Technology

http://theubiquitouslibrarian.typepad.com/the_ubiquitous_librarian/2006/11/sharing_via_itu.html The Ubiquitous Librarian ponders using iTunes in academic libraries in some pretty darn cool ways: How can libraries use this? Let’s put information literacy to the side for a minute, because sure, you could host tutorials and content about the library (itunes plays videos) but let’s think bigger. Last week we had Maya Angelou give a talk on campus, why not dump that video or podcast into an iTunes library—as well as other speakers and events? How about a weekly student interview series or alumni talks? How about sporting event replays or the coach’s talk show? How about short […]

Dr. David Cavallo, MIT Media Lab http://www.laptop.org/ What should education be when any information is just a few mouse clicks away. He showed a picture he found by “googling ‘boring school’” of some students in class looking tired: Kids would rather be challenged than bored. (He asked how many folks were blogging live…I think it’s just me!) Cavallo disscusses the development of the $100 laptop. What we need is a lowcost computer for education, and because the computer industry ignored their pleas, they decided to build one themselves. The laptop features these technical innovations: LCD Technology Mesh networking Powermanagement Manual […]

Now published at ALA TechSource: http://www.techsource.ala.org/blog/2006/10/my-avatar-wears-tight-jeans-and-4-other-things-i-learned-from-internet-librarian-2006.html And I was glad to see how Lawley summed up the conference. Play… games… learning… “This is going to change the way people use your tools and think about what they want in an information environment,” she said. It’s something we need to take to heart and consider as we build systems, Web experiences, and put ourselves out there in places like Second Life.

“Privacy is a thing of the past…” There’s a new Pew report out, with technologists and thinkers offering their views of the future of the Internet. The Future of the Internet II has some fascinating findings and will offer much food for thought. From their summary page: A low-cost global network will be thriving and creating new opportunities in a “flattening” world. Humans will remain in charge of technology, even as more activity is automated and “smart agents” proliferate. However, a significant 42% of survey respondents were pessimistic about humans’ ability to control the technology in the future. This significant […]

I was reminded of this incredible service at Cherry Hill Public Library in new Jersey when I came across John Blyberg’s recent post on iTunes sharing: http://www.blyberg.net/2006/09/12/sharing-music-with-itunes-and-mt-daapd/ I appreciate John’s take and his “how to do it” hints. I don’t know much about MT DAAPD but I do know offering your library users access to your entire CD collection via library computers is darn user-centered and just plain FUN! LISTEN BEFORE YOU BORROW! Like John, I like to hear from folks about how this is going for them if they’ve tried it. Cherry hill? Others?

Kate Sherrill, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana librarian, reports via e-mail that Evansville PL in southern Indiana is loaning Playaway players: “I had heard from a friend that EVPL was going to have these, and I see that they are available now..” http://www.evpl.org/digitalbooks/playaway.aspx She also send the link to the Playwaya Libraries page: http://www.playawaydigital.com/libraries/ I’ll be interested in hearing from librarians who have offered this device.

In the September issue, Rachel discusses all things USB: Now that you’re offering this useful service, how do you get people to take advantage of it? First, advertise its availability. Post a “Flash Drives Welcome” sign temporarily, make a note in your newsletter, post on your library’s blog, and be sure that all public services staff members can suggest the USB drive alternative to people who are having problems with floppies or seeking alternative storage solutions, Smaller USB drives are a great giveaway idea–think about the possibilities for National Library Card Signup Month or Summer Reading prizes. Some libraries also […]