[WEB4LIB] The Future

[Sloan, Bernie]

I'm joining this discussion of "The Future" a little late, but if you're
interested in the future of library technology you might want to take a look
at "The 2003 OCLC Environmental Scan: Pattern Recognition" report:

http://www.oclc.org/membership/escan/default.htm

Text available on the Web at:

http://www.oclc.org/membership/escan/toc.htm (click on each section title to
view the html versions)

There's also a link to a Webcast of a related program that was held at ALA
Orlando this summer:

http://www.oclc.org/membership/escan/default.htm#launch 

Bernie Sloan

-----Original Message-----
From: Helfrich, Gair [mailto:GHelfrich at acmail.aclink.org] 
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 11:30 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] The Future

Hello everyone,

The collective wisdom of this group is needed! For the first time in
many years we are working on our Master Plan. Naturally, one component
of that plan is Technology and I've been asked to use a crystal ball and
look ahead for the next 5 years. Right now we're short staffed and I'm
having trouble keeping up with today, let alone anticipating what's
coming in the next 5 years. That's probably true for many of us. :-) 

At any rate, if some of you who are on the cutting edge or have a clear
crystal ball are willing to share some insights I'd very much appreciate
it. What do you think is coming in technology in general and
specifically in library technology. We've already got wireless on our
radar--and have implemented in 2 branches so far--and are considering
RFID. You can reply to the list or to me personally and I'll summarize
the answers for the list. 

Thanks in advance,
Gair Helfrich

__________

Gair Helfrich
Network Services & Computer Services Manager
Atlantic County Library
40 Farragut Avenue
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
609-625-2776 ext. 6313  Fax: 609-625-8143
ghelfrich at acmail.aclink.org