flash image on our home page

[Drew, Bill]

"Flash is good for games, situations where animation is mandatory, and 
presentations to small children, but should be exorcised from 
situations where textual methods are adequate. This means libraries 
(except maybe for children's libraries)."

I am disturbed by the broad condemnation of any technology as the quote
above from Tony Barry suggests.  Flash works very well in instruction and
other situations.  It has been at least two decades since libraries (all
types) have been places "where textual methods are adequate."  We have to
reach out to the MTV generation.  I would bet that many librarians out there
are part of the MTV generation.  I believe it is entirely appropriate to use
flash and other animation methods on web pages as long as alternatives are
provided.  The flash on our library page serves a decorative and marketing
function.  It does not provide anything in terms of content. I see nothing
wrong with that.

Bill Drew
drewwe at morrisville.edu