Thing 7: Productivity and Collaboration Tools

I have used Google Calendar on and off (when I make an effort to organize my time!), so I looked at Doodle and Zotero for Thing 7.  I downloaded both of these tools, watched the videos and used the help files.  I rely on the help button all the time and tell everyone else who gets "stuck" how good they are.  Anyway, I found both tools fairly easy to use.  I plan to use Doodle for organizing the many meetings we get caught up in these days.  I am also planning to integrate Zotero with orientation sessions to show students how to collect and organize their information when doing research papers.

Thing 10: Future Trends

When I first went to Library School, one of my professors proposed an image of the Library as being the gateway to knowledge and the Librarian as the gatekeeper!  That image has always stuck with me.  No matter what direction Libraries take, there is always going to be a need for the gateway to knowledge and the Librarian's role is still going to be the gatekeeper!  How will our Library (the gateway to knowledge) and the Librarian (the gatekeeper) look in 2020?  I doubt if there will be many significant physical changes to the Library as a set of rooms---we may move some furniture around, add/delete print materials, but the greatest change has already revolutionized Libraries through the Internet!  I think our greatest challenges in carrying out the mission and goals of the Library is going to be that of staying ahead of, or a least the minimum, staying abreast of, all the "bells and whistles" that keep bombarding us.  It will also be through the mutual support of Library Systems, Libraries and Librarians as a group, that we will face the continuing challenges and stay leaders in our field.

Thing 8: Video

Today, (June 6), I searched YouTube for videos on the future of books/libraries.  This was a very pleasant assignment.  I never realized all the information that is available for public use, not to mention the instructional information that could be so helpful in libraries.  I am planning to upload our library orientation video for use at the beginning of the fall semester and throughout the year.

Thing 9: eBooks

Maria College's Library has recently purchased a batch of eBooks from EbscoHost's NetLibrary.  The company was very helpful in getting us set up, conducting in-service classes for faculty.  Individuals will be able to access the books both on and off campus.  The Library is in the process of promoting the books through its website.  Professionally, as the market for eBooks is expanding, I think eBooks and eBook readers will become much more accessible, especially in the academic arena where textbooks are so expensive.  I also think it would be much more practical carrying an e-reader than having students carrying backpacks of huge printed texts.  I feel confident, too, that traditional ways of reading and studying, and reading for enjoyment, will be with us into the future.