Introducing New Technology Into Libraries

I don't have to delve into detail on how technology constantly evolves into increasingly compact forms. I don't have to explain how the concept of Library 2.0 allows those in reference to expand services and provide an awesome chance to increase the technoliteracy of our invaluable patrons. We are or will be librarians; connoisseurs of knowledge, educated and trained to answer questions imperative to the individual patron. In other words, we should be confident in our abilities to assist patrons with new technology. What we need to concern ourselves with, first and foremost, is actually planning the use of new technology. Some of you may dismiss this notion first hand. Some of you believe your library may not need new technology. Some of you are resistant to change.

Folks, the world is changing. Rapidly. Search the Internet, visit your local bookstores and realize what services and products with which libraries are competing. Why hang out at the library on the computer terminals when we can drink coffee at Barnes and Noble and use their wireless Internet? We must not remain stagnant. We must form groups, evaluate new technology, decide what technology to use, form a plan for using the technology, do the plan and watch what happens. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work. Try and try again.

Here are some helpful steps:

1) Talk to your supervisor about your ideas for new technology. Ask to form a Technology Team consisting of various employees of the library from different departments. If you are a supervisor or manager, talk to your employees. See who is interested.

2) Once you have your technology team formed, have a few meetings. Ask everyone for new ideas for bringing emerging technology into the library. It may be a good idea to allow staff to ask customers what kind of technology they would like to see in the library or at the website. Blogs? RSS Feeds? Twitter?

3) Once you look at budget numbers and decide what is feasible to the time and money constraints of the library, gather what you really want to do with the new technology. Write a Mission Statement! They give focus to what you hope to achieve. Write a timeline or list of what you want to do.

4) Do it! Inform and, when needed, instruct patrons on using the focus of your project. Keep track of use if at all possible. Give it time. If it fails, it fails. Try again! If it works, then you have achieved helping patron technoliteracy. Beautiful.

I consider the preceding tips common sense. It is always important to plan when doing anything important in life. But strategic planning is an idea and process we are not taught in Library School. Maybe we should start?