Discouragement

We hit a major bump in the road of our Tech implementation. Well, several smaller ones as well. This is not a happy post for me.
First, there are so many of the things we NEED to get on board with that are blocked, and feared by the powers that be. Everyone says it's good in theory, but impractical to use, because of that one bad apple.

Then, we need to stop being discouraged about time issues. Technology is essential. These things are being implemented and utilized by the world. These are the ways of the future, and how these kids live. It's a different way of thinking and living. This is also HOW you will be able to connect most effectively with them. So, it isn't useless. It's essential. Even if you don't immediately understand or implement it, they're things you need to know and try!

THIS Sirsi Dynix program explains what I am trying to say.

Blinkx
Singingfish
Podsing
Retriever

Just some services that I found recently. They have amazing potential!
Here is a good tool to view if you're interested at ALL in some of the new technologies that Libraries can implement. They advise a 15 min. a day way of learning, which is doable and useful. Sirsi Dynix is a good way to keep on top of things, and I would advise everyone to go and view or listen to their presentations, which are free, to get a better understanding of where libraries are headed in the future.

But seriously, 15 minutes a day to find and play with new things. That's all you have to do in order to learn, catch up, and keep up with things that are going on!