FW: [WEB4LIB] The Future

[Michele Hampshire]

Much tech news these days talks about digital audio. Duke University is
providing incoming freshmen with iPods pre-loaded with audio and text
content. http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/news/ipods_0704.html. I wonder how
long it will before public libraries begin to offer content designed for
handheld devices, especially to our younger patrons who will
increasingly come to expect it. 

Best,
Michele Hampshire
Web Librarian: Mill Valley Public Library
Marin County, California
http://millvalleylibrary.org
415-389-4292 x107



-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Helfrich, Gair
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 9:14 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