Summary Notes: Now, more than ever, "content consumers" are more concerned with the actual content and less concerned with the format in which that content is presented. Content is offered in various formats and librarians must adjust accordingly to the acquisition, organization, and delivery of content.
The Web presents both opportunity and challenges to libraries. People are increasingly demanding access to content in the convenience of the Web. Sources such as wikis and blogs put individuals at the center of publishing, not institutions. This poses the problem of people receiving content from what the author calls "nonauthoritative" sources. However, this is also an opportunity for librarians to use wikis and blogs in order to reach out to their community and also receive feedback.
The author points out that there is no shortage of information, but librarians need to help put that information into a context.
2.)Clifford Lynch, “Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy: New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture”
Summary Notes: For short and long term success in Technology Literacy it is important to understand both how to use tools, and also how they work. Additionally it is not only understanding computers, but also telecommunications, broadcasting, transportation, financial infrastructure, history, economies, social and public policy issues.3.)Vaughan, J. (2005). Lied Library @ four years: technology never stands still. Library Hi Tech, 23(1), 34-49
Summary Notes: Technology is always changing. The Lied Library at UNLV gave several examples of problems that arise due to technology and also how they solved the problems. They had issues with increasing use especially with their printer system. Additionally they faced the challenge of replacing all PCs while the library remained open. One thing they did that was very helpful was to install a few computers first. They then waited to see if there were any problems. This way, if there were a problem they could solve it before they repeated the mistake on hundreds of PCs.
Another issue in academic libraries such as the Lied Library is the combined use of the library by both the University community and the greater community. The primary use of the computers is for academic use by University students, faculty, and staff. Frequently community users operate the computers for personal use such as checking e-mail or playing games. Library staff are able to track the amount of time people spend on the computers and can ask people using the computers for personal use to leave so they can be used for their academic purposes.
Security is also a concern for the library. Not only security from theft, but also from malicious software. The library uses Deepfreeze which removes any software installed by the user after they log off the computer.
The Lied Library has also faced problems with high temperatures in the library, forcing them to shut down some machines. Another issue that confronts all libraries at some point is change in leadership. This is a change that the Lied Library was facing when this article was published.
Overall Summary of My Thoughts:
Technology is changing a lot of the ways libraries function. People are increasingly demanding more digital access to materials. This brings in problems with digitizing materials, allocating funds to subscribe to digital journals, and keeping up with ever-changing technology. In order to understand the changes in demand, one must look at society and the technological advances. Looking at studies of libraries such as the Lied Library can help librarians foresee issues that they will then be able to deal with or perhaps prevent these issues from arising. Technology has become a huge part of librarianship, and it is in the best interest of librarians to understand and use this technology to the benefit of their patrons, staff, and library.
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