Reading Resources

For introductory level resources, I would recommend Computers in Libraries, Chronicle of Higher Education, and, not surprisingly, http://www.library.njit.edu/. CIL offers some basic questions to consider when implementing new technology in libraries. CHE often includes articles on how technology is changing in larger libraries around the US. NJIT is a helpful example of how technology can impact the library catalog.

I think this concept of 'the long tail' is certainly worth pursuing considering our patron population. I would guess that we have a number of students and faculty who are interested in many relatively obscure materials. (Heh...I happen to be one of them myself.)

Ah, speaking of CIL, this month's issue talks about grant-writing for technology plans. Does anyone have experience with grant writing on staff? This may be something we'd want to consider after IF task force gets its' feet wet and has an opportunity to sort out what our goals and plans are. I enjoy researching and writing, so if no one else is inclined, I would probably be up for it if we decide to head in that direction one day in the future.

If anyone feels so prompted, it would be good to have members of our group praying about it. Since we have so little funds to operate on, it is easy to have lots of great brainstorms and then hit a wall and say "we'll never see this happen." This is a significant problem at our school and I'm sure many other small private institutions like ours. Perhaps it is time to dream big and actually plan big. The Lord is able to do immeasurably great work, but often times we confine ourselves to the resources we can see. Faith is not by sight. What might we be able to demonstrate to our campus about our faith in God by this project?