The End of iHCPL?

I am happy to say that this is not the end of iHCPL. We have only started to learn. Last week I attended a program on "Transforming Texas Libraries" and one of the major concerns was how to teach staff about all of the new technology. It was nice to know that so many of us at HCPL have learned and will continue to learn about this amazing new technology.

In the past few years so much has changed at HCPL and the changes will keep on coming at us; whether we are ready or not. Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 have changed how the customer relates to the library and to information. We used to be the gatekeepers of knowledge and information; today we are more like navigators. Our customers want to be more self sufficient but want us to be available to give assistance. The 23 things that we learned about and the new things that we will learn will help prepare us for the future.


Lifelong learning is a necessity if we are going to keep up with the pace of change that has become the norm for our society. Because all of us in the library field deal with information, we have even more reason to keep on learning.

Thank you to the iHCPL Committee and everyone who took part in iHCPL. Who knows what 2008 will bring?

Library 2.0

I have been reading about Library 2.0 for quite a while. The more that I read about Library 2.0, the more I think it has to do with being open to whatever the "next thing" will be . Advances in technology and changes in society have forever changed how we do things and how people want to get information. Customer service will continue to driven by these technological and lifestyle changes. This is a great opportunity for libraries as long as we are willing to try what may have been unthinkable to us in the recent past. The acceptance of so many of the changes we have instituted, such as selfcheck and holds available for customer pickup , show that we are on the right track.

The great Horizon meltdown last week demonstrated how much we rely on technology, and how much the quality of our service now depends on reliable technology. This was a good reminder of hw technology has improved our service to our users.

Meez and one of my favorite things

As they say, when going gets tough, the tough go shopping. Choosing and exporting my Meez was easier than I thought it would be. The challenge was in choosing what it would look like, just like a shopping expedition. I may later change to a tall Meez with long straight hair.

A few months ago I discovered Library Thing, thanks to Keddy Outlaw. I have been using Library Elf as a second reminder to return my books on time.

I have read almost every blog at least twice. In most cases, I do not know whose blogs they are but I have been amused, impressed, surprised and moved by the comments and all of the efforts that so many HCPL bloggers have taken.