WebJunction (www.webjunction.org)
An “online community where library staff meet to share ideas, solve problems, take online courses – and have fun“ funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and created by a partnership of OCLC, the Colorado State Library, the Benton Foundation, Isoph, and TechSoup. A tremendous collection of documents on library technology topics and issues, links to useful web sites, discussion forums to find colleagues who have faced (and hopefully solved) the issues you are facing, course materials, and a host of other resources of interest to libraries.
Cites & Insights (citesandinsights.info)
A monthly online publication which includes in-depth coverage of technology trends written by author and technology guru Walt Crawford of RLG. His observations and analyses of recent publications are a must scan!
Innovative Internet Applications in Libraries (www.wiltonlibrary.org/innovate.html)
Just as the title suggests, this site links to several examples of interesting ways to "save the time of the reader" using the Internet.
Top Tech Trends (www.lita.org/ala/lita/litaresources/toptechtrends/toptechnology.htm)
A bi-annual discussion of technology and library users by the Library and Information Technology Association's Top Technology Trends Committee (the discussions happen at the American Library Association's Midwinter and Annual Conferences).
Seven Things You Should Know About (www.educause.edu/7ThingsYouShouldKnowAboutSeries/7495)
Created as part of the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative, these short monthly pieces provide informative introductions to a variety of technologies (from Skype to Wii to flip cameras) along with possible educational uses for them.
SirsiDynix Institute (www.sirsidynixinstitute.com)
This site, sponsored by the SirsiDynix integrated library system company, offers free webinars (and archived podcasts) on technology topics by leading figures in library and information technology. Topics range from video on the Web to technology planning to a survey of new consumer technologies. The site also features the blog Stephen’s Lighthouse, written by SirsiDynix Vice-President for Innovation Stephen Abram, that covers his musings on various library technology topics.
ALA TechSource (www.techsource.ala.org/)
This site for ALA's technology publications has a blog with posts of trends and news in library technology.
It's All Good (scanblog.blogspot.com)
Personal reflections on “all things present and future that impact libraries and library users” from three staff members at OCLC. Interesting insights and thoughts with a technology focus.
The Shifted Librarian (www.theshiftedlibrarian.com)
Jenny Levine's blog, which focuses on helping librarians “shift” into understanding and using the information technologies that their patrons use.
Tame the Web (www.tametheweb.com)
Tame the Web is a blog written by Michael Stephens, Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. He shares student projects, interesting discussions, and commentary on the latest happenings in library technology.
ResourceShelf (resourceshelf.freepint.com/)
A daily updated library blog of “resources and news for information professionals.” Excellent focus on industry trends and online searching for all library types.
LibrarianInBlack (www.librarianinblack.net/)
This site is a blog written by Sara Houghton, E-Services Librarian for Marin County Free Library. It features “resources and discussions for the 'tech-librarians-by-default among us . . . “ A very useful site for postings on technological issues and trends in libraries.
Glengage (glengage.com)
Glen Horton, the Technology Coordinator for the Southwest Ohio and Neighboring Libraries regional library consortium is the man to watch for what’s happening in and around libraries with technology. He is continually investigating how libraries are applying new technologies and watching for new technological innovations that libraries might want to take on. His annual presentations on “Technology Trends and Libraries” bring the information technology swirl of information into focus, and he posts links to his latest slides on the blog (just search for the presentation title).
Disruptive Library Technology Jester (www.dltj.org)
The tagline for this blog reads “we’re librarians, we’re disrupted, and we’re not going to take it anymore.” It is written by Peter Murray, Assistant Director for New Service Development at OhioLINK (Ohio’s academic library consortium). Peter uses the blog to explore change in libraries and the technologies they use, both incremental and disruptive.
Open Directory Project: Library and Information Science: Weblogs (www.dmoz.org/Reference/Libraries/Library_and_Information_Science/Weblogs/)
An extensive listing of additional library-related blogs with a brief description. It is worth a look to discover additional resources not mentioned above.
Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org)
A collaborative online encyclopedia which includes articles on a wide range of subjects. Has excellent explanations of current technology topics.
Webopedia (webopedia.internet.com)
A searchable dictionary of computer and Internet technology terms. A very extensive source which includes a brief definition for each term along with links to related terms and Web sites that offer additional information. A number of entries also include diagrams or images.
CMP's TechWeb TechEncyclopedia (www.techweb.com/encyclopedia/)
A similar source to the Webopedia. Includes lengthy definitions of terms and links to related concepts.
ODLIS: Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science (lu.com/odlis)
An up-to-date dictionary of terms relating to library and information science which includes a number of entries relating to technology (compiled by Joan M. Reitz).
MaintainIT Project (www.maintainit.org)
The project is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation to compile information on how public libraries support public access computers. It produces freely available “cookbooks” on various aspects of public computing and technology planning. There is also a blog that covers recent developments in and discussions of public computing issues. Much here is applicable to various library settings.
Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki (www.libsuccess.org)
This wiki is a collaborative collection of documents and links covering library-related issues of all kinds, with an emphasis on sharing best practices. The section on “Technology” linked from the list of contents has excellent explanations of many library technologies and suggestions on implementing them in your institution.
Knowledge Hound (www.knowledgehound.com)
A directory of how-to information sites on a variety of subjects. The "Science and Technology" section has a number of subtopic areas that list useful guides for computers. the Internet, software, and more.
WebJunction (www.webjunction.org/basic-troubleshooting/resources/wjarticles)
WebJunction includes a section on supporting and troubleshooting computers and other equipment that may be helpful.
About.com Computing & Technology (about.com/compute)
This section of the About.com site includes collections of articles and links to additional web sites on various technology topics.
CNET (www.cnet.com)
This site includes lots of technology information, product reviews, how-to documents, and advice. It is the place to start when you are planning to buy computers or other technology items.
ZDNet (www.zdnet.com)
A very similar site to the one above, but another excellent source for product reviews and buying guides.
Library Technology Guides (www.librarytechnology.org)
"The Library Technology Guides website aims to provide comprehensive and objective information related to the field of library automation." The site is an excellent source of library systems-related reports, articles, and trends. It includes a directory of library system vendors.
Library Resource Guide (www.libraryresource.com)
An annually updated directory of library services and suppliers compiled by Information Today, Inc.
The Librarian's Yellow Pages (librariansyellowpages.com)
A comprehensive listing of library vendors which may be browsed by type of product or service or searched by keyword.
MacInTouch (macintouch.com/)
Provides news, tips, and reviews of Apple Macintosh products and software, as well as other Apple products (iTunes, iPhone, etc.)
Planning and Building Libraries (www.slais.ubc.ca/resources/architecture/)
A collection of links to vendors and projects relating to the construction and equipping of libraries.
Individual vendors can also be found through Google (www.google.com) or other search engines.
Web4Lib (Subscription information and archives at: lists.webjunction.org/web4lib)
A very active discussion group that focuses on Web-related technologies in libraries but regularly discusses other issues including public workstation setup, scanning, and search engine developments, to name but a few regular topics.
LM_NET (Subscription information and archives: www.eduref.org/lm_net/)
While this list focuses on school librarians and school library issues, many of the discussions have a strong technology focus (particularly electronic resources and educational technology). A highly active group.
LITA-L (Subscription information and archives: http://lists.ala.org/sympa/info/lita-l)
The mailing list for the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) division of ALA. A good blend of workshop/conference/job announcements along with interesting technology articles and discussion of questions from list members.
SLA-DITE (Subscription information and archives: http://units.sla.org/division/dite/sladite_new.html)
The mailing list of the Information Technology division of the Special Libraries Association (SLA). A general purpose list to ask questions for technology recommendations or to discuss new technology trends and developments.
There are many other library-related electronic discussion groups, including a large number devoted to specific technologies or products. A good resource for finding others is the Open Directory Project’s listing of library and information science chats and forums (be sure to also click the link for “mailing lists” from the URL below) (www.dmoz.org/Reference/Libraries/Library_and_Information_Science/Chats_and_Forums/). You can also try a search in Google Groups (http://groups.google.com) to locate other library discussion groups that may be indexed there.
LISNews (lisnews.com/)
A blog of library-related news happenings that includes discussions which grow out of the individual postings. You can sign up for email updates of new postings.
Current Cites (lists.webjunction.org/currentcites/)
A free monthly e-mail which contains annotations of information technology articles and other items written by a team of librarians and library staff. An easy way to scan the professional literature for technology-related publications.
Free Pint (www.freepint.com)
A free newsletter that covers electronic information sources and searching techniques. It is mailed out every two weeks. While Free Pint started with a focus on business research, many of the sources are of general interest to those interested in Internet searching. As well, a number of technologies (e.g., handheld computers) are discussed that may be of interest to a more general audience.
Computers in Libraries. Information Today, Inc. 10 issues per year. Web site: www.infotoday.com/cilmag/ (sample full-text articles are available). Feature articles on applications of computer technologies in libraries and reviews of technology products. Has a very practical focus.
Information Technology and Libraries. Library and Information Technology Association. Quarterly. Web site: www.lita.org/ala/lita/litapublications/ital/italinformation.htm (table of contents and abstracts are available).
Feature articles on applications of information technology in libraries.
Library Hi-Tech. Emerald Group Publishing. Quarterly. Web site: www.emeraldinsight.com/info/journals/lht/lht.htm (sample full-text articles are available).
Feature articles on emerging technologies in libraries. A bit more research-oriented than Computers in Libraries, but the publication includes a variety of practical case studies as well.
Library Technology Reports. American Library Association. Bimonthly. Web site: www.techsource.ala.org/ltr/ (selected issues are available in full-text).
Extensive reviews, studies, and testing of various examples of library technology items, from integrated library systems to security products.
Online. Information Today, Inc. Bimonthly. Web site: www.infotoday.com/online/ (sample full-text articles are available).
Articles, reviews, and product information on databases and other electronic library resources. Also includes coverage of more general library technology issues, such as e-books.
American Libraries. American Library Association. Monthly (except for combined June-July issue). Institutional subscription: (included with ALA membership). Web site: www.ala.org/alonline/ (news stories and some columns (including the two mentioned below) are available in full-text).
Magazine for ALA members which includes excellent "Internet Librarian" and "Technically Speaking" columns along with occasional technology-related feature articles.
Information Outlook. Special Libraries Assocation. Monthly. (included with SLA membership). Web site: www.sla.org/content/Shop/Information/ (tables of contents for each issue are available).
A publication for SLA members which includes the technology column "Information Tech" as well as occasional technology-related articles.
Library Journal. Reed Business Information. 20 issues annually. Web site: www.libraryjournal.com/ (news stories and some columns are available in full-text).
This periodical includes articles on various library topics, but it is also noted for its reviews of books and media items. In addition to special articles on technology topics, it includes a number of technology-related columns: "Installations", "Industry News", and "E-Views and Reviews."
School Library Journal. Reed Business Information. Monthly. Web site: www.schoollibraryjournal.com/ (full-text news stories and sample articles are available).
A publication for school librarians which includes regular technology-oriented articles and product reviews.
In addition to the titles mentioned above, there are two excellent resources for finding technology information published in other library-related periodicals. The periodical index Library Literature and Information Science (H. W. Wilson Company; more information available at www.hwwilson.com/Databases/liblit.htm) is the gold standard in its coverage of the library and information science field. The Informed Librarian Online (www.informedlibrarian.com) is a unique resource for scanning the monthly output of some 275 library and information-related periodicals. The free version of the service provides a monthly email update to new issues with links to selected items. A premium service (an annual subscription is $29 for individuals and various institutional rates are available) provides full access to the tables of contents for the periodicals and adds access to a selection of full-text articles, a searchable archive of past issues, and a search interface to all linked periodical issues.
There are far too many to list here, but there are a number of good periodicals out there that may well help with a particular technology information need. They range from computing periodicals such as Macworld (www.macworld.com/) or PC Magazine (www.pcmag.com/) to broader technology titles such as Better Buys for Business (www.betterbuys.com) or T.H.E. Journal: Technological Horizons in Education (www.thejournal.com). These periodicals and others can be reached using a general periodical index (whatever you have access to) to find product reviews or information on a wide variety of technologies.
There is no comprehensive, national or international directory of library continuing education or professional development events. Some state organizations provide calendars for individual states or selected regions. Check with your state library or local or regional library organizations for assistance in finding a calendar of local events. The following resources can help you find events offered by national and international library organizations.
Yahoo! Listing of Library and Information Science Organizations (dir.yahoo.com/Reference/Libraries/Library_and_Information_Science/Organizations/)
The Yahoo! search directory's listing of various international, national, state, and local library and information science organizations. Look at the web sites of these organizations to see what conferences or professional development opportunities they are offering.
American Library Association Events (www.ala.org/events/)
A site listing conferences and meetings sponsored by ALA and its divisions (arranged by division or by date). American Libraries also has an online listing of its monthly “Datebook” (www.ala.org/ala/alonline/datebook/datebook.htm) which lists the future activities of various organizations.
Calendar of SLA Events (www.sla.org/calendar/)
A calendar of professional development opportunities offered by the Special Libraries Association and its chapters (it also has an advanced search interface).
While attending a program on a given technology or even visiting a vendor at a conference can be quite useful, there is nothing quite like seeing a technology at work in a library. Aside from just being neighborly and being aware of other libraries in your area, it pays to know who to visit to see new technologies at work. Here are some methods for tracking down local or regional libraries:
The World Wide Web Library Directory (www.travelinlibrarian.info/libdir/)
An international directory of over 8800 libraries located in over 130 countries. Libraries may be browsed by country or searched by keyword.
American Library Directory (www.americanlibrarydirectory.com)
This source is an invaluable resource to locating libraries in the United States and Canada. The print version of the directory may be found in many libraries' reference collections. The online version offers a free registration option that allows users to search the directory and find library addresses.
National Center for Education Statistics: Search for Public Libraries (nces.ed.gov/surveys/libraries/librarysearch/)
An advanced search tool for locating public libraries in the U.S. and its territories.
PUBLICLIBRARIES.COM: State Libraries & Archives (www.publiclibraries.com/state_library.htm)
This page offers an alphabetical list of links to state library web sites. Most state libraries maintain directories of libraries in their state which can be searched by location or ZIP code.
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