If you are looking for ways to convince staff of the immense impact of the web on library services, start with this great video from Jesse Thomas: State of the Internet 2010.
JESS3 / The State of The Internet from JESS3 on Vimeo.
I will be attending Computers in Libraries in DC in a couple of weeks. I hope to see you there too! Below is my speaking schedule for the conference (yes, I am single-handedly presenting all sessions at the conference, if you must know). 
I will also be signing copies of my new book, Technology Training in Libraries, and answering questions at the Neal-Schuman. I’m not quite sure when that will be, but will post an update.
Rita McGrath published a great article, “Are You Squandering Your Intelligent Failures,” which discusses how to use things that go wrong to your benefit to better plan for the future. It’s all rather common sense, but we all need a reminder now and again. Why brush past something that didn’t work out of embarrassment? Instead, take a look at it and see what you can learn.
via @librarianbyday on Twitter (Bobbi also has a write-up about the article on her blog)
Read this Wired article about eye-tracking tablets that change what you are reading in response to eye movements.
For a good summary of the impact of the web on publishing, check out Cory Doctorow’s talk on Internet-era publishing economics for Bloomsbury.
The future of libraries? Radical change and inspiration from Colorado’s Anythink, a summary of a PLA session from LJ.
via @LibraryJournal on Twitter
My new book, Technology Training in Libraries, was officially published today! Hurrah and happiness! My book is part of Neal Schuman’s 10-book Tech Set, which covers the most pressing issues in library technology.
Technology Training in Libraries covers technology training for libraries…with an approach that works for both staff and customers. I cover different types of tech training: how to create a basic technology training program, technology petting zoos, peer training, lunchtime brown bags, online learning, and face-to-face learning. I talk about documentation, class websites, marketing, and success measures. I cover tips for trainers too: organizing courses, creating class materials, pacing classes, engaging difficult learners, and working with library management and unions. I also include a humongous list of recommended resources on anything and everything related to tech training — from tutorials to sample lesson plans, from how-to videos to sample library tech competencies lists.
And if you’ve ever heard me speak or read something I’ve written, you know that I lean toward the practical side of the tracks. The book reflects my budget-conscious and time-conscious approach to all things library. After all, none of us has all the money and time in the world, now do we?
A lot of love and effort went into writing this book, as it does for every author. I have very strong beliefs about workplace learning and training. I believe that while the responsibility for “keeping up” with technology has long lain with the individual employee, that employee has rarely been given motivation to keep those skills up. There are no positive rewards and no negative consequences.
The attitude of “oh yes, it’s nice if you have the technical skills necessary to do your job well but if not that’s okay” makes me want to pull my hair out. We are all responsible for doing our jobs well, and for managers that means empowering your employees to do their jobs well. This book is part of that equation. Figure out how to help yourself, and others, to stay on top of technology trends and skills. Fostering a thriving learning culture is fulfilling for the trainer, the employee, and greatly furthers the library’s mission and service goals. So have at it!
The Google Books Help Forum is now live. Check it out for help with all of your Google Books questions, comments, and concerns. It’s a series of discussion boards with very little existing content, but a small flurry of recent activity in light of the launch. If you or your students/customers use GB, then please pitch in with some tips and tricks of your own to help others.
Save the date, baby! Author and artist supreme Neil Gaiman will be speaking for National Library Week for ALA in a live online event. From the official press release:
Libraries and their communities are invited to a live Internet event, “An Evening with Neil Gaiman,” from 6 to 8 p.m. April 12. This event, which kicks off National Library Week (April 11-17), is coordinated by the American Library Association’s Campaign for America’s Libraries and the Jessamine County (Ky.) Public Library (JCPL).
As Honorary Chair of National Library Week, Gaiman, the 2009 Newbery Medal winner for “The Graveyard Book,” will speak to his lifelong love of libraries and the role they play in a democratic society by supporting intellectual freedom and privacy. Gaiman will virtually join a live audience at JCPL from the University of Minnesota using high definition videoconferencing technology supported by Internet2 to enable an interactive discussion with the author.
Librarians across the country who would like to project a live stream of the talk for an event at their library are encouraged to register at http://gaimanatjcpl.org.
A UK study is underway about The Benefits and Impact of Digital Resources, results to be out in July.
RT @resourceshelf on Twitter
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