Task 21

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.

Task 18

Here's my post about technology. I just got a new ink jet printer. It's so much better than my old one. It's not just a printer; it's a copier, a scanner, a photoshop. It even has a slot for digital camera memory cards to plug right in. With the purchase of a USB cable it cost a total of $80 tax included. I hate to think how much it cost for the old copier and the old printer I have-- substantially more at any rate. You've got to love the way the price of technology comes down over time. For instance, my first portable CD/tape player cost $210. Now they're cheaper than dirt.

I gave my old printer to my Dad since his broke; it complements his older computer nicely and eventually he'll buy both new. I'm still keeping my old copier around though-- it handles hefty books better and, as Glenda mentioned, the cost of ink jet cartridges is rather high compared with the cost of copier tone (when considering how many pages each will produce at any rate).

I love being able to scan colored magazine articles that I want to keep. Sometimes I come across decorating ideas I want to reference, and a black and white copy just doesn't do the idea justice. I love being able to scan in business cards; they're so small and easy to lose, but I can scan them and store them in my computer, throwing the original away. I used the scanner for uploading film pictures to Flickr too. I'm sure I'll find more uses as time goes by.

I know many people have had this technology for some time, so it's not exactly cutting edge. Still, it's new to me, and it makes me happy to have such a useful tool.