Technozoo

This has been my favorite session so far. Leonard Souza a "certified techno geek" shared the latest technology that could influence the way libraries do things or should be embraced by libraries. I'll include a few here as well as including the link to his presentation.

http://www.joost.com/
On demand peer to peer TV network. After initial download you can build your own TV network. Check it out it is pretty cool.

http://www.skype.com/
Video live feed over the Internet. No more long distance call fees even when you are making an international call. Leonard has been contacted many times from folks from other countries wanting to practice their English. Can be utilized for conference calling as well. Imagine the possibilities.

iPhone
No other smart phone competes with it. 28% of the smart phone market already owns an iPhone. 78% of all mobile traffic on the Internet is via an iPhone per a google study. In June, the iPhone will become an even better Smart Phone when applications for the iPhone will be relaesed. iPhone provides what customers want...an interactive experience.

Microsoft Surface
Marihelen already addressed this in a post so all I'll say is it looks awesome and has a lot of potential for libraries as a whole new trend. Interactive directory for Main Library, showcasing storytimes and other programs as a promotional piece, sharing the picture file, helping customers connect with a staff member, etc. I could go on and on, but will instead point you to Marihelen's post with the video clip of it.

Battle of the Ereaders
Right now there are only two (Sony and Kindle) and they are first generation so there is a lot of potential for these in the next 4-5 years. The font size can be changed so you almost have 3 books for the price of one. Kindle can't read PDF files, but is always connected to the Internet. Sony can read PDF files.

Heavy Hitters of Gaming
Nintendo Wii
PS3
XBox 360

Handheld
Leonard recommends the Nintendo DS over the PSP if you are more into the gaming side verse the Internet side. PSP tries to be too much.

What can libraries do?
Recognize for many customers it is no longer about accessing information, but INTERACTING with information. Libraries need to take the services we provide and become as fucntional online as we are off line. Leonard realizes he is asking a lot with this next request and knows it will take time, but he said one thing we can do is digitize our entire collections. Once we own the book we would own it forever and wouldn't have to worry about physical shelf space and needing to weed the books to make room for more.

Want to keep up with the technology trends? Leonard suggests http://www.digg.com/

Here is a link to download his presentation that includes over 700 exapmles of Web 2.0 sites that have been hand picked and categorized. WARNING It takes a little while to download. I had better luck saving it and opening the doucments. It includes PDF and some GIF files. Make sure to check out the Web Trend Road Map. If you have any problems accessing the files send me an e-mail.
www.acidblue.ltd.com/dowload/presentation.zip