LibraryTechtonics

Many libraries, including mine, are currently in the mad dash to put together a budget for the new budget year. Published in the in December 2006 issue, the The PC Magazine 2007 Upgrade Guide is a must-read if you plan on doing any upgrades to the computers in your library.

If you are not terribly technology literate, some of the article is going to sound like gibberish to you. Keep reading. If librarians are going to become well versed in the ways of computer buying, maintenance, and upgrade, librarians must learn to read the trade articles. Furthermore, librarians need to learn to ask the technology folks questions (if the libraries are lucky enough to have tech people at their disposal), or at least be somewhat familiar enough with what’s in the pipe right now when someone comes to ask you about your technology needs. Heck, send me email and ask me questions, I’m here to help, too.

I know, I know, you think I’m being a firm task mistress, in what seems to be a “You Must” rant about technology. However, it’s really more about my concern for the future of the library, which is neither just books nor just technology, and helping librarians be a key part in the future of the library, which doesn’t mean a choice between Google and librarians.

See, I still get questions from librarians on why technology matters so much, why libraries should spend money on current technology if it will be outdated so soon, and why we should keep looking at the newer technologies if all people are doing are surfing the web and writing papers or cover letters. I believe that, if libraries position themselves just right, libraries can be more than just a place to check email or update a MySpace profile. And with communications going the way of the Web 2.0 social networking archetype, we’ll need more than Windows 2000 machines that run Public Web Browser to meet the growing needs of our patrons. Being educated is the first step, and confusion about what you don’t know is a pretty normal and crucial part of that first step. So keep reading, and keep trying. I have perfect faith in you.
Besides, you don’t need to do everything in this, or any, tech article. Use it as information to create technology knowledge for yourself. Get oriented so that you can navigate (with even the fuzziest of vision) in a technology context. It’ll make those meetings with the tech folks a lot easier, and you’ll get more of what will help your patrons best, or know better what your patrons *don’t* necessarily need.

The article is also a good resource for patrons looking to buy a new computer, or upgrade their current machine. I find that many patrons are doing a good bit of research before they buy a computer, and upgrade guides give you a sense of what’s new in computer components, and how to plan down the line for the life of your computer.

Tags: technology