As you may have heard, until recently February 17th, 2009 was going to be the day that TV stations HAD to broadcast a digital signal (now it's only optional until June). One of the main arguments for extending the deadline was that consumers just weren't ready for the switch, whether financially, since the funding for the coupons kind of ran out, or they were still simply confused on the technical side of the transition.
This made made me wonder if libraries are really doing their share to prepare people for their own technological "transitions." For example, as we push Web 2.0 technology, are we leaving those behind who have maybe have never touched a mouse before? On the flip side, there may be those who need help filing for unemployment, but what about the person who is going through a career change? Do we tell them, “You are over qualified for our services at this time”?
I am not saying that this is easy. Libraries are reporting record numbers during the downturn in the economy. With that comes budget cuts, meaning less money and less staff to provide more services to more people. Plus, There is no way to conform to every individual’s particular needs. However, I think it is dangerous to make assumptions about the technological capabilities of your users.
About Me
- S. Davidson
- Hello, I am a library science student who loves to learn. I also enjoy watching movies and listening to music.
2 comments:
We run into trying to be all things to all patrons on the technology front quite often - which can lead to confusion for the patron. There are times when the staff has lots of free time on a desk and can spend extra time working with a patron, for example staying at their shoulder while they create a certificate in Publisher. That same patron comes back when we are swamped and there is no possible why we can spend that amount of time with them. There are also the limitations of the staff's knowledge. Some are far more computer savvy than others. All of us can handle the "basics" but as more and more people come in who want to expand the basic envelope the services becomes more spotty.
We've always faced this issue in libraries but it seems to more prevalent right now because of the economy and because we have become so reliant upon technology. I agree with you that we have an obligation as librarians to help people become more technologically savvy.
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