assignment #1

Lynch's Coalition for Networked Information
I thought that Lynch's view that it's not enough to learn how to operate technology, but everyone needs to learn why technology operates the way it does interesting, but somewhat immpractical from an administrator's standpoint. Staff is busy enough, and it's hard enough to find the time to adequately train people how to use things (especially in this fast-changing landscape), let alone attempt to explain how things work.


Vaughan's Lied Library at Four Years
I agree with Vaughan's acknowledgement that continual funding for constantly evolving technologies is difficult for local libraries. The system of libraries I work at only has laptops to check out at two of its branches, even though all or most of the branches were supposed to have laptops to check out by now. Also, playaways are only available at two branches, even though other branches might have higher "audio book" readerships. I have to admit that I'd never thought of the "warranties" on library purchases before. Once the warranty lapses, it's even more money libraries need to shell out.

I agree that the lack of space in library branches is also a big issue. Libraries that were built many years ago before the rise of personal computer systems struggle to accomodate patron's needs for access to convienient technology. I have heard the grumblings of staff members who struggled with re-organizing the layout of their libraries to make space for public computers.


OCLC's Content not Containers

I felt a constant inner struggle inside me while I read this article. My consumer side (give it to me faster and cheaper) warred with my librarian side (give it to me in a concrete, more established means of information and communication and give me a greater sense of job security) throughout the article.

The pull towards contextualizing information can be seen in many websites. The library where I work just unveiled a new website that attempts to better contextualize library catalog searches.
(www.kclibrary.org)

I found the quote from the Washington post stating a "phone is like a little person" humourous but valid. When you forget or lose your phone somewhere, you feel anxious and lost without it. Your whole world is wrapped up in it. Your pictures, emails and phone contact numbers are all wrapped up in one little device.