Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The Experienced Info Pro Speaks Out

Internet Library 2008 offered a full range of learning and networking opportunities to all who attended. According to my observations, it also offered a peek at the variety of people who have influenced and will influence the profession. First the view from an experienced info pro on the brink of retirement.

Dan Lester retired last week as Head of Network Services in the University Libraries at Boise State University. In an interesting examination of where we have been and were we are going with technology ("Who Moved My Ultrafiche & 8-Tracks? Insights for the Future"), Dan reminded us of how much has changed during his 50 years on the job. Do you remember the 12" video disk, the Apple Lisa, punched cards, 8" floppy disks, and the OCLC impact printer for printing out library cards? These were the bees knees in their day, but technology has continued to develop since then. Dan gave us a good look at the evolution of technology in libraries and when to adopt. You can link to the slides from Dan's talk, including fantastic pictures of the aforementioned technologies and more, at Dan's River of Data web site.

Based on his wealth of experience in library technology, Dan offered the following things to think about:
  1. Everything is temporary.
  2. Never buy #1 of anything.
  3. Be on the leading edge but not the bleeding edge.
  4. Even sacred cows can be turned into filet mignon.
  5. The" saving money" reason for adopting technology is almost always bogus.
  6. Do bad decisions really matter?
  7. Be a shark. Keep moving or die.
  8. See number one.
Dan also echoed a sentiment found in several other talks I heard at IL2008 - "be willing to fail." More on that in the next posting as we meet info pros who are just launching their careers.