TECHNOLOGY NOTES

Recently, David Karre encountered some criticism from one of the member libraries of the upstate New York rural system (some do not even have telephones) indicating that Mr. Karre's system was moving too fast in the area of technology and all the related technological concepts. Late that day, he read an article in Library Hotline concerning the tremendous expansion of library reliance on CD-ROM databases during the last year. Which situation describes "reality"?

REALITY according to Mr. Karre is what is "right" for your library based on your mission statement. However, as manager, we should believe, understand and accept the fact that the technological revolution (translation = E- mail, the Internet, and online or CD-ROM databases) is truly upon us. Using the vision as included in our strategic plan, we must translate that vision into a reality known as action. We, as "professionals" and "managers," must be disturbed that librarians and boards have yet to realize that this evolutionary phase of library service is truly upon us. Don't these librarians and boards read TIME or NEWSWEEK or any of the other basic journals to which their libraries subscribe? Don't they watch Dan Rather, Connie Chung, Peter Jennings, Tom Brokaw or CNN? For gosh sakes, even the "Home Shopping Network" is loaded with sales of "state-of-the- art" equipment! It has been frequently mentioned at recent library conferences that the "technological revolution" has passed libraries and we'll never catch up! This is a very scary thought! Consider where will people in the 21st century find information when the library has failed to adequately keep pace with the technological revolution?

Please, as a librarian or a Board member, understand that electronic information is the next natural, major progression for library materials. Originally, libraries purchased books. I'll bet when someone suggested using funds to purchase magazines or journals, there was widespread apoplexy! What do you think the response was when someone suggested using meager library resources to purchase "phonograph records" (whatever they are/were)? Can you remember a few years ago when someone suggested using materials budgets to purchase videos? Guess what the newest segment for allocating library materials is? Right electronic resources! The time for action is now! Get help if you need it and participate in the electronic revolution. It really is fun and quite simple and the information you will be able to provide your clients is amazing. Besides, it is great customer service. Isn't that what we are about? Regardless of the methodology, don't we exist to provide information for our clients?
(Source: SAALS Newsletter, Jan/Feb 1995)