Week 6

Future of Libraries - In order for our library to serve our community, we first need to find out what they expect and need from us. It would be great to jump in and provide the public with all of the latest and greatest services; but if they are not fully utilized it would be a waste of time, effort and resources. I believe we should update our services as the patrons' needs change. Technology is evolving and changing faster than the need of the majority of our patrons. Rather then trying to have all the latest automation gadgets and wireless connectivity, I feel that the library's resources would be better utilized by providing more computers for use by the patrons. They should be newer ones, but all the bells and whistles are not needed for research, web surfing and after school use. The funding for cutting edge equipment is not there and the automation staff currently has their hands full just keeping a few computers at each branch. Most of the time our computers are utilized by patrons checking their email, browsing through MySpace pages, playing video games, working on genealogy, filling out online applications, and homework assignments.