Technology has great possibilities for the information industry. However, in order for technology to reach its full potential its designers must be mindful of its social context and must incorporate its social resources. For librarians, this means that in employing technology in our libraries, we must always be sensitive to the specific needs of the users and the unique environment of the library in which the technology will be used.
One way librarians accomplish this is by OPACs more user-friendly and compatible with the way an average user searches. Librarians can also use social software tools to make their services more available to the public. For example, IM brings reference services to their patrons outside of the library building. Further, blogs could be used not only to keep patrons informed, but to solicit their opinions and ideas, thus giving them a stake in the direction of library development. By using interactive technology in this way, technology becomes a means to of drawing patrons into the fold of the library and its programs. It thereby solidifies the library's role in the community.
Monday, September 15, 2008
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1 comment:
Its so interesting reading everyones blogs out there in response to this chapter. Its interesting how we all open to the implementation of technology in our libraries yet, when I worked in a Library Archives many new approaches to old ways of doing things were met with TONS of resistance. I think that even more important then adding technology to libraries is trying to open up the use of technology to those who are resistant.
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