TECHNOLOGY 

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Change is occurring very rapidly, and new technologies are being added to support service in all libraries.  This change is adding new elements to service by increasing the diversity of formats and hardware with which libraries must cope.  Public libraries in California must apply these technologies as they respond to the diverse populations they serve.

Specifically, the elements of change are:

• Faster computing and telecommunications;
• Larger capacity of computing;
• Higher resolution in monitors;
• More format choices for purchasing electronic materials;
• Implementation of the Internet and Intranets;
• Increasing expectations of patrons for access to these new technologies; and
• Global telecommunications to multilingual, multinational resources.

One key issue for libraries is telecommunications. The telecommunications policy of "universal service" has entered library service through the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The public library becomes a place where those who do not have access to this technology can have it. Overlaying this new service for libraries is the very rapid change in the types of telecommunication technology being deployed and the deregulation of all telecommunications services.  The impact of these elements is not yet clearly felt in the communities libraries serve. In California, funding and legislative support are not yet completely in place.  At the national level, support is not in place for the services required.

Currently, public libraries are at the threshold of these changes.  A number, including Sacramento Public Library, have been experimenting with various aspects of telecommunications technology.  Members of Peninsula Library System and others are exploring on-line services for all of their members.  The State Library and Los Angeles Public Library are testing access to several products and services to support system reference centers.  The State Library, through its InfoPeople Program and the Virtual Reference Center prototype, is providing platforms for experimentation and testing of strategies for accomplishment.  In addition, many public libraries and public library systems are conducting planning and assessment to change their approach to the use of technology.

In the future, public libraries are going to be places where ALL technologies are in use, from books to on-line full text and graphics documents.  They will be connected to both Intranets and Internets.  They will have multilingual capabilities for their patrons via these technologies.  Public libraries will be places interconnected with the world and places of independent refuge for their patrons and their communities.

Knowing that this is where public libraries are going, discussions should be held to figure out how to get there. Difficult choices will occur in making buying decisions for new technology.  Staff training at all levels (top to bottom) will be essential and will ensure the best use of these tools. Libraries have always been places for people to learn and learn at their own individual pace. Technologies now available and those yet to come in the 21st Century will add more choices to this learning experience.  Each library will need to form more alliances and consortia to meet these challenges.   These alliances will range from strategic to day-to-day.

What will our patrons see and expect when visiting the public library?
 
High Speed Internet - Patrons are requesting United States Geological Survey maps. Patrons will be able to receive the desired maps and three-dimensional biological illustrations at the branch library where the request is made because of access to high-speed, broad bandwidth telecommunication lines.
 
Global Multilingual Delivery System - Visitors to the public library will be able to receive information or materials in languages other than English or cultural material from around the world through global Internet connections.
 
Training for Staff and Patrons - Staff responding to patron inquiries will have the background and understanding to make choices between print sources and electronic on-line resources.  They will also have the skills to use and/or select services available via the Internet's World Wide Web and the ability to interpret these services to their patrons.

Lifelong learners will be using the library to learn how to use new technology tools for their learning and information needs.  For an indefinite period, both patrons who have not touched a computer keyboard and very sophisticated users will ask to learn more about using the variety of technologies available in the public library.  Libraries will respond to these needs through individual and group instruction.
 
On-line/CD Server/Stand-alone Electronic Materials Delivery - Patrons of public libraries will use electronic materials via the Internet and networked CDs in the library from homes and offices.  These materials will vary from publicly available materials to proprietary materials.  They will vary from those purchased locally to those used locally, but stored elsewhere.  They will vary from those purchased individually by the library to those purchased as a part of a consortia in which discounts/licenses are secured through a regional, state or national body.

The library community, including the State Library and the California Library Services Board, must address technology needs as a part of its responsibility to maintain and develop public library service relevant to 21st century Californians.  Specifically, action should take the following forms:

1. Support and fund the development of high-speed interconnections between libraries and the Internet.
2. Through an appropriate vehicle, promote statewide licensing of on-line materials held by the private sector and the supporting copyright clearances.
3. Provide training for existing and new staff through courses or training sessions on various topics that support the use of all technologies in public libraries.
4. Act as an advocate for California's public libraries in the national and international arena to protect access to resources needed by California's diverse population, and to support economic development of the state.
5. Develop local delivery capabilities for global connection and effective use of multilingual and multicultural information that will connect the diverse population of California to the global community.
6. Provide leadership in all arenas that will develop all of our libraries as the "new California gold mines" -ON TO 2049!