OK, I thought I'd never post to this again, but a colleague just shared a video about Microsoft's "surface computing" prototype.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4217348.html
Wow!
Now this is a technology that creates huge opportunities!
Friday, June 1, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Note to Infopeople
As a staff member of the Calif State Library, I cannot accept any gift from Infopeople for completing the 23 things, or be included in a drawing. Thanks!
#23 Summary
Kudos to Infopeople and the original developers of the list of 23 things. It is a nice intro to "Web 2.0."
The theme in most of my posts is: find the right technology tool or tools to accomplish a goal or resolve a problem.
As you can see from my posts, I am not a particular fan of most tools that are considered to be part of Web 2.0. Does that make me a Luddite? No.
When I think back over the years, the tools that have become part of my personal life are tools that fit my needs:
- TiVo
- Netflix
- digital cameras
- Google
- Online banking
- cell phones
- The Web
- email
All of these were "wow" experiences from the start. They instantly enhanced my life. I didn't have to try to find a reason for using them.
As a librarian who works in IT, I believe my task is to help my library identify those tools that, in the end, are the most beneficial to our users. They may be tools that our customers use directly or they may be tools that are behind-the-scenes and help our staff perform their duties.
It is my responsibility to stay abreast of new technologies, analyze the costs and benefits of new technologies, and recommend options to library management without being seduced by new, cool things.
The theme in most of my posts is: find the right technology tool or tools to accomplish a goal or resolve a problem.
As you can see from my posts, I am not a particular fan of most tools that are considered to be part of Web 2.0. Does that make me a Luddite? No.
When I think back over the years, the tools that have become part of my personal life are tools that fit my needs:
- TiVo
- Netflix
- digital cameras
- Online banking
- cell phones
- The Web
All of these were "wow" experiences from the start. They instantly enhanced my life. I didn't have to try to find a reason for using them.
As a librarian who works in IT, I believe my task is to help my library identify those tools that, in the end, are the most beneficial to our users. They may be tools that our customers use directly or they may be tools that are behind-the-scenes and help our staff perform their duties.
It is my responsibility to stay abreast of new technologies, analyze the costs and benefits of new technologies, and recommend options to library management without being seduced by new, cool things.
#22 Teaching Twitter
OK, I have to admit that by picking Twitter, my least favorite of all 23 things, as the tool to share with a friend, I was not giving this exercise a fair try.
Last night I showed my wife Twitter and had her create a Twitter account.
My wife is not a techno-phobe. She's loves her PDA (she's in medicine and subscribes to a couple of expensive services that keep her PDA up to date with the latest formularies, etc), has used email and PC's for years, etc. As I showed her posts on my Twitter account she rolled her eyes and couldn't believe people actually broadcast their daily activities.
I then showed her my blog of the 23 things and she looked at me like I had gone to the other side.
I think the lesson here is that a tool has to be relevant to an individual's problems/challenges. And this lesson can/should be applied by libraries each time we evaluate a potential tool.
Too often, people are seduced by a new technology/tool and then try to find a way to use it. This isn't the way to approach technology when you have limited resources. Instead, you have to define your problem and define how you'd measure a successful resolution. Then you look at the potential tools and evaluate them in that context.
Of course this means you must be able to identify the potential tools. That is why librarians should be aware of new Web tools, such as these 23 things. If the tools don't help reach the goals of your library, then you shouldn't be trying to implement them. But if they help you provide services to your clientele, then by all means the tools should be used.
Last night I showed my wife Twitter and had her create a Twitter account.
My wife is not a techno-phobe. She's loves her PDA (she's in medicine and subscribes to a couple of expensive services that keep her PDA up to date with the latest formularies, etc), has used email and PC's for years, etc. As I showed her posts on my Twitter account she rolled her eyes and couldn't believe people actually broadcast their daily activities.
I then showed her my blog of the 23 things and she looked at me like I had gone to the other side.
I think the lesson here is that a tool has to be relevant to an individual's problems/challenges. And this lesson can/should be applied by libraries each time we evaluate a potential tool.
Too often, people are seduced by a new technology/tool and then try to find a way to use it. This isn't the way to approach technology when you have limited resources. Instead, you have to define your problem and define how you'd measure a successful resolution. Then you look at the potential tools and evaluate them in that context.
Of course this means you must be able to identify the potential tools. That is why librarians should be aware of new Web tools, such as these 23 things. If the tools don't help reach the goals of your library, then you shouldn't be trying to implement them. But if they help you provide services to your clientele, then by all means the tools should be used.
#21 Podcasts
The Librarians' Internet Index has a nice listing of podcast resources for beginners, including Podcast Alley: http://www.podcastalley.com
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
#20 YouTube.
YouTube - the ultimate in channel flipping.
Just like the next guy, I love to channel flip with the remote. Drives my wife crazy.
YouTube let's you do it at your PC.
Just like the next guy, I love to channel flip with the remote. Drives my wife crazy.
YouTube let's you do it at your PC.
#19 My Maps on Google
Google is so great. I had lots of fun adding a photo and text to create a "My Library" map. And I was amazed at how it was indexed immediately.
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