Like many of you, I preferred Michael Casey's post and some of the Tech Crew ones. (I read one about "Unsucking the OPAC" which was interesting.) The article by John Blyberg was wordy and difficult to reason through. I really liked the emphasis they place upon service to patrons (with technology just being one of the means we could use to better serve). I think that's especially important in an area like Nelson County where many people don't have the technology at home yet. If we were to focus only on technology we would lose them.
On the other hand, I think it is important to start moving toward change now (as we're doing with this tech challenge). One article I read mentioned the importance of meeting the technology needs of the library's "power users" (advanced frequent users I assume) because the technology they are using now will be the technology that other library patrons will want in just a couple of years. I think the wireless service we're currently offering at Main (branches too?) is sort of like that.
I can't even remember what I read. I followed links so it's all just one big blur as to source. But I read about library job descriptions and seeking employees with these new technology capabilities and ways of thinking (interactive, multimedia ways of relating to patrons). Unfortunately, many applicants didn't even understand what it was that the employing libraries were desiring because much is so new. Few MLS programs are even training future librarians in many of these skills and ideas yet. It's interesting to live in a time of transition like this.
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