technology

Yes, I made up that word. I'm not sure that it really works, but for this post, it evokes the multi-tasking, too much to keep track of world we inhabit where technology tends to overwhelm, rather than save time or complete tasks.

The American Library Association (ALA) is encouraging public libraries to participate in the 2009-2010 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study online survey. The survey provides an important opportunity for libraries to share information regarding their computer and Internet resources and infrastructure, as well as funding, technology training and how they function as public access technology centers in their communities.

Full disclosure: I'm a nonprofit gal. My background and work as a professional and volunteer has always been with nonprofits and for the social service community. It's part of why I love working for TechSoup. I was a TechSoup user at three small nonprofits prior to joining the team and by being part of it, I get to hold a teeny piece of helping other nonprofits around the country and world which are doing great work for their communities.

There is a discussion on LITA-L* right now started by someone beginning to examine OSS ILS (free licensed software used for integrated library systems). Open source and libraries seem to complement each other so well. Libraries using these systems always stress the aspects of collaboration and innovation involved. Since your ILS is the primary point of entry for the public to access library resources, it is a great bonus to be able to update and make changes for your specific needs. If you have used a OSS ILS, what have you found are the strengths and weaknesses involved?

The American Library Association (ALA) Washington Office is providing beneficial information for the library community in regards to stimulus funding. There is a new document, a web page and a webinar coming soon. Look to these resources to help you wade through the alphabet soup of ARRA, BTOP, PCC, etc.!

If the first 5 weeks of 2009 are anything to go by we're going to be too busy to blink our eyes this year. I figured I can take some time off in 2010!

Today I ran across a great library blog from the Providence Public Library's twitter feed.

When it comes to the library's computer network, we've been very much like Blanche Dubois, depending on the kindness of strangers. (breathy voice here) Or at least, the kindness of random library supporters. As long as the network was small, with only a scattering of public computers, this has worked – and it has worked for a surprisingly long time.

Today I played BINGO at work!

Does the term "total cost of ownership" cause fear or perhaps flight? How about cute n' cuddly free kitties? If you're running toward one and running away from the other, read on. They're not as different as you may think.