Technology

Technology is a tool just like any other tool. There are tools that languish from lack of use and tools that people use everyday. Wander through any retail store and you will find many examples of useless technology. You get what you pay for.

Not all technology is like Doctor Who's sonic screwdriver that seems to get the doctor out of all kinds of outrageous situations. Often times the cheaper the tech, the less likely it is going to work but this is not always the case. Many libraries have paid large amounts of money for technology improvements that just don't do what they promised to do. Like the library motto "knowledge is power", knowledge is a prerequisite to the use of technology. As librarians we need to use our research skills to determine if technology has a functional use in the library. Often people rush to embrace the newest technology without considering the ramifications. What other services will the new technology impact? Does it simply duplicate another way of doing something? Is it going to be easy enough to use for our patrons? Does it provide enough access for our patrons to actually get to use that technology? Downloadable audiobooks that are not readily available is not a good use of technology. Library catalogs that don't allow you to find books with simple titles is an obstacle to information not a technology tool.

Technology needs to be evaluated, compared and simply tested out before libraries tout the latest technology as a service in the library. I think this is why many older adults are frustrated with technology. It just does not have relevancy for them. I often tell patrons to learn technology in a task by task method. Decide what task you wish to learn like attaching a document to an email, creating a resume, searching for jobs online, or even buying something on ebay. This is why learning 23 things about web 2.o is a better way to introduce technology to library staff. Many of us have experienced frustration with google's technology and customer service in the last two weeks. Having personal experience with technology is the best way to know how to apply technology effectively in the library.

That said, using the last habit of highly effective learners is a must when learning (playing) with new technology.