Categories Emerging Technology

Via NEKLS: Brenda has eight tips for would-be technology trainers: 1. Stop trying to provide step-by-step directions 2. Encourage independence. 3. Expect success. 4. Encourage exploration. 5. Provide context. 6. Treat training as a collaborative project. 7. Use storytelling. 8. Be real-world.

Patron to AV Librarian on learning the library would soon be checking out iPods: “Get out! You mean I can check out an iPod from the library? I don’t have to spend $150 myself to get one? Great, now I can spend that money on something else. I’m getting a manicure, a pedicure….”

http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/06/19/yahoo-opens-im-to-developers/ Just some linkage for the IM category of TTW!

iPods @ SJCPL Originally uploaded by St. Joseph County Public Library. Julie Hill, my friend and colleague from SJCPL, announces the new SJCPL iPod program!!!! I am so happy to see this fly!! Here’s a post she sent me for staff: Books on iPod: Yours our Ours The library will begin offering downloadable audiobooks on iPods beginning Fall 2006! Bring in your own iPod or check out one of the library-owned iPods. We’ll download bestselling audiobook titles from the iTunes Music Store for use on your MP3 player, laptop, or in your car. Want to know more? Contact the Sights […]

Via an e-mail from Kate the Hoosier Librarian: I just signed up for PayPal Mobile, so then I was thinking, what is this good for? Here’s an idea: Your library has a PayPal account, a patron needs to check out materials, but has something he needs to pay. He doesn’t have enough cash on him, you don’t take credit/debit cards, and he doesn’t have his check book. He whips out his phone, PayPals you the money via text message, you instantly receive a confirmation email, the fine is paid, he gets his stuff and goes away happy. How awesome would […]

http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/jun06/Gordon_Stephens.shtml This month, Rachel rolls out some of the HOT social tools! And ITI puts the whole article online!! You don’t have to jump into implementing every one of these ideas and services, but do think outside the basic library Web site box and about meeting your users where they are. Most of these options are in some way “social” in that they are designed to bring people together and to create community online. We talk so often about libraries building community, as being at the center of the community—it’s essential for us to participate in these online spaces that […]

http://ericschnell.blogspot.com/2006/04/library-staff-and-technology-buy-in.html My earlier posts point out the observation that companies that have successfully adopted disruptive technologies did so only when they created a separate organization to deal with the technology. The idea of a group within the library being organized and responsible for investigating emerging and disruptive technology issues fits into the pattern of companies that successfully managed their innovation. The goal of this organization should be to play around with technology and to participate in rapid prototyping, not to create anything practical or plan for implementation. The focus should be on learning and discovery, not action. Think technology group […]

I received a nice e-mail from a librarian at met at CIL. Liesbeth Mantel from Erasmus University Library, Rotterdam, The Netherlands asked if we might discuss IM a bit. She blogs at http://www.moqub.com/. I’ve heard from other colleagues in Europe that a lot of librarians are starting to talk about IM reference, which makes me happy. I asked Liesbeth if I could post this at TTW as well and she said yes. Liesbeth sent a set of questions I’ll do my best to answer. IM Librarians: please comment or e-mail if you have more to add! I’d also point you […]

http://wplinfostuff.blogspot.com/2006/04/training-top-ten-technologies-for.html Chistine offers a condensed version of my OPAL talk with links to Canadian examples! Thanks Christine!