Thinking Ahead

As part of my CALLI Presentation, I'm researching the future of libraries, specifically the future of strategic planning.  Interesting source!

Thinking Ahead: Trends and the Future of Libraries

View more presentations from Stephen Spohn

Cutting Edge Technologies @ala

The first session I went to was, “The Future of Libraries: Cutting-edge Services.” Buffy Hamilton's presentation on new ways of learning within libraries really stood out to me.   "How is what you're doing supporting learning?"

 She introduced such an array of social tools (all free) that encouraged her students to actively participate in the creating of learning.

I really need to check out all the sites she mentioned - symbaloo looks pretty amazing!

Publications/People:

David Lankes

Michael Wesch - blog post
Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture:Media Education for the 21st Century

Howard Rheingold

Tools:

Symbaloo

Animoto

Prezi

Wordle

Evernote

Mobile Un-Friendly

There was a lot of talk at ALA about mobile devices and I tried to catch every session offered.  It's obvious that mobile is the way we're all going; however, there's a debate as to whether libraries should dedicate resources and staff time to create a mobile app or whether they should just focus on making their site mobile-friendly.  Even though for the first time people are spending more time in mobile apps than surfing the internet (source), the consesus was that we should spend more time creating a nice mobile site rather than spending time and resources on a library app for iPhones, Android AND Windows phones.

So, this is my newest endeavor.  As you can see above, I have my work cut out for me! 0%

The Post ALA High

I just got back from the American Libraries Association Annual Conference last night.  I went to so many informative sessions, met some amazing librarians, got some great ideas and just came back 101% inspired.  I felt the same excitement after last year's conference, but it didn't last very long.  It'd be a shame to let that happen again.  I want a place where I can geek out on all things library, track things I'm researching for my library and collect my thoughts, and this is going to be that place!