Flash - Key Chain - USB drives (or whatever you want ot call them)

I saw a teen walking around yesterday with a three flash drives hooked on his book bag. It made me realize how fast storage devices are changing and with more and more users becoming familar with this portal product, the demand is already here.

Here's a little article that offers a good overview from Northwestern University Library.

Yahoo goes Local

Last week Yahoo unveiled a beta version of a search engine which is suppose to make searching for local information a whole lot easier. The jury stills out of how useful it will be, but several third parties are already jumping on board

As a general information guide it might be lacking a bit. (ex. public library lists Group Services as it own library, Colleges – reveals everything from Central Piedment to College Place restaurant).

But if you need to find a restaruarant with "deli" in its name within a mile of the downtown area, then it surely can be a help.

It will be intetesting to where they take it.

Yahoo Local: http://local.yahoo.com
More info: Observer article

Charlotte Observer in new format

Recently I noticed that the Charlotte Observer has introduced a new electronic format the paper edition - the E-dition.

After hearing comments this past week during Charles' staff address about the need for more copies of CO, I wonder if this would offer a viable option.

Wouldn't it be great if you could access the last 30 days (or whatever) in e-dition format that mimics the print without having to maintain a huge paper file. Just a thought. It might be worth checking out.

Technology Planning 101

Web Junction has pulled together an excellent group of articles focusing on developing a Library Technology Plan.

Other Resources:

• TechSoup - planning for non-profits
• Checklist for Technology Plans
• Technology Plan Assistance
• Technology Planning Tools (TechSurveyor & TechAltas)

LIFT Text translator for Web Accessiblity

An interesting new alternative for library web developers who aren't savvy with WAI guidelines. Copy from Useable Net:

In the last two weeks of July, nine organizations (including one PL Orange
County Library System) have committed to adding text-only versions to their
websites using the LIFT Text Transcoder to support a two-pronged approach to web
accessibility.

Get a demo of your site with the text-only option added
at: http://www.usablenet.com/frontend/demoform.jsp?prod=tt


This two-pronged approach helps to instantly increase the general
accessibility of all current web content, while allowing webmasters to focus
limited resources on developing new content using current web accessibility
guidelines. By implementing a central server-based solution with the LIFT Text
Transcoder, all content can be accessed in a text-only version, dramatically
increasing the web accessibility of older, more disbursed content by adding a
simple link to pages.

Some new live Examples - see "text-only" links

Maryland Transit Authority (text only link top left)
NJ Dept of Personnal (text only link on main navigation bar)

Welcome to Blogsphere

Technology, remote offerings and the capability to deliver new an exciting services through Library means is as never shifting challenge. What was cutting edge just yesterday is main stream today and keeping up with all the changes and advances can be daunting.

This blog is an attempt to keep up with these changes and stay informed. So bookmark the site, feel free to contribute and join me on the ride.