Thing #10: Future Trends

After the past couple weeks of being without Internet use in school, this question really makes me think about the future of the library and how much my job depends on having online access (catalog, research, web reporter), it has been challenging going without it. In the year 2020, I think the trend toward embracing technology, despite the setbacks that inevitably will occur, will keep progressing. I have been trying to expose my students to as much of this technology that I have access to. Unfortunately, students pick and choose which things they prefer...Wikipedia and Google over Databases and ebooks. Even though both are online and easily accessible. They seem to be reluctant to use those resources. This program has helped me to try to incorporate more features into my instruction with students and faculty alike. Services to give up...hmm..even though there has been a shift away from print reference materials and encyclopedias, I have to say they were a tremendous help to me when our Internet went down. Students had no other option but to use those resources, so there was not a struggle or fight against using them. Once they got going with it, they seemed to be more accepting and appreciative of the information. New services that I would like to offer would be to reach out to the community more and get them involved. Whether it would be informally or formally through informational workshops, mother-daughter/father-son book groups, I would love to incorporate more of a connection with families.