The Librarian's Internet-Waking the Dead
Reviving your library's technology plan
Gail Junion-Metz -- School Library Journal, 12/1/2000
These days, technology updates itself faster than you can say "automation." Even if your library's technology plan is only two years old, you'll need to review it and consider updating it based on future technologies, library trends, Internet and demographic statistics, library survey results, and technology news. If you get a headache just thinking about the hours it'll take to locate all of this information, try using the sites below to jumpstart your new technology plan. Top Technology Trends for Libraries 2000 Library Research Service Nua Internet Surveys Survey of Internet Access Management in Public Libraries Library and Information Science News Adaptive Technology for the Internet Americans in the Information Age: Falling Through the Net
www.lita.org/committe/toptech/mw2000.htm
Here you'll find an excellent list of projected library technology trends (with related links) created by well-known, tech-savvy librarians. A good place to start your technology plan review. Source: Library & Information Technology Association.
www.lrs.org/index.html
This is an outstanding source for all sorts of technology, demographic, and library statistics. Be sure to check out the "Fast Facts," "Library Data," and "Technology Statistics" sections. Source: Colorado State Library, University of Denver. Don't miss: "More Planning Resources on the WWW" for a list of up-to-date surveys, technology, and news resources.
www.nua.net/surveys/index.cgi
Often overlooked, these Net-based, Net-focused surveys contain current information that libraries can use. Be sure to check out the data found in the "Society" and "Demographics" sections and the subsections on children, teens, seniors, and Internet use. Source: Nua Internet Surveys, Inc., New York, NY.
www.lis.uiuc.edu/gslis/research/internet.pdf
The most recent study of public library Internet use contains lots of useful statistics on how patrons use the Net, how libraries use filters, the number of computers available, IUPs, and more. Source: Library Research Center, University of Illinois. Required: Adobe Acrobat Reader.
www.lisnews.com
This is a good source for current news of special interest to librarians and library educators. Visit the "School" and "Public Library" sections, but don't miss the "Knowledge Management" and "E-Publication" sections, since they both cover trends you'll want to learn more about. Source: Blake Carver, librarian, Buffalo, NY.
www.ala.org/editions/openstacks/insidethecovers/mates/mates_toc.html
If your current technology plan doesn't adequately address how to provide Internet access to patrons with disabilities, check out this useful online resource. It contains lots of valuable information, tips, and ideas you might want to incorporate into you next technology plan. Source: Barbara T. Mates, American Library Association Online Editions.
www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/digitaldivide
This is a must-read on the "digital divide." It's an outstanding series of authoritative resources for anyone reviewing and revising a library technology plan. Source: National Telecommunications & Information Administration.
