Hot Technologies

Blogs, RSS, DRM, RFID, IM, Wikis, and Podcasting.

These terms are often tossed around by people who grew up with computers. Although I am familiar with most of them, the first time I've explored many of them in any depth was when I returned to college a few years ago. The widespread use of these technologies was a little surprising to me, not being of the text-messaging generation. Through exploration I have learned how easy it is to become connected and so can you!  Amazing, really. 

I started working with computer technology when we had to enter DOS commands on IBM compatible computers, and Mac computers were a little square box with a green screen. One could not just click and go with those systems.

Now, with a Master in Library Science, I must share how important technology is to libraries, librarians, patrons of libraries, and every aspect of providing information. This is particularly true if we hope to serve and grow with the generations of patrons who rely so heavily on technology for communication and information gathering. As librarians we need to do more than know about the technology that is available and being utilized by our users. Even if we aren't the ones responsible for keeping information current and the system running smoothly, we must know how to use the technology, and be able to instruct others in how to use it. As purveyors of information, libraries and librarians have an obligation to keep ahead of the game. I can see that with the competition for people's time and resources there simply will be not other way for our organizations to remain useful and viable.

Listen Boomers, the same applies to us as individuals, if we want to remain useful and viable in the work arena. Don't be easily discouraged, if you didn't grow up with computers everything there is to know is very learnable. If I can go from inkwells to gigabytes, so can you. Just don't give up!