Thing 16 - Technology 2.0

Rick Anderson stated, "But if our services can’t be used without training, then it’s the services that need to be fixed—not our patrons."

Sounds like my argument against jumping so fast into all this whizbang technology. Lots of great stuff out there, but the majority of people are still figuring out how to attach a photo to their email, and have difficulty downloading the annual version of their antivirus software.

We still have patrons who won't use the online catalog, and others who enroll again and again in the basic computer courses and are still confused by it all.

Look how much trouble all of us had in learning to use these new technologies for "Nebraska Learns 2.0." Did any newbies really sail right through all these exercises without trying, re-trying, and trying again to make something work? Without hunting around for the proper link?


We do need to embrace technology, and we will have to train our patrons (regardless of what Anderson thinks). Yet we need to make things as intuitive as possible so that after some basic training they are able to build on the basics and try the next level without fear.

When I hit a new website, the first thing I do is look around and see where they put things and how to perform some tasks. For example, at the Barnes & Noble website I learned how to run their search, save to a WishList, and where they put reviews. When I walk into a mall I must learn where the stores, restrooms, lockers, and food court are located. When I get a new cell phone I must learn the new functions. Same with a new software program. Same with the new clock-radio or dvd player we buy. That's basic training.

We need to assist the patron in learning to use our catalogs, our databases, the self-check machine, the photocopier, the microfilm machine. But once we teach them the basics, if the service is provided properly it will be intuitive enough for them to try other technologies on their own.

Technology is a tool of the future - and the now. But let's not jump so far so quickly that we leave people behind.