Managing Technology Projects

Abstract

This will be my first time authoring this column, and I'm delighted to have the opportunity it presents to explore the intersection of library technology and public services. As the recent title of the 2008 Internet Librarian conference indicates, Beyond Library 2.0: User-Focused Tools and Technologies, the tide of what for several years has felt like library technology evangelism is turning. A focus on more effective tech-based development in libraries is underway, one that privileges the actual impact of services on patrons over our need to keep up with the proverbial Joneses. This is a natural correction—libraries experienced a sort of “tech bubble” as early adopters enthusiastically explored the promise of new Web-based communication methods and user-created tools. After several years of trial and error, many early adopters now find themselves adjusting expectations, considering overall scalability, and evaluating outcomes of their early experiments. Much can be learned from these experiences, and a wealth of evidence, conjecture, and rules of thumb can now assist librarians in any stage of technology development prevent duplication of effort (and error). With this in mind, I will attempt to make this column as practically oriented as possible. I will draw from the knowledge of those who have confronted the types of issues and pitfalls inherent to library innovation, and I will explore proven approaches that can help librarians in the public services develop more effective and user-centered technologies. At times I will invite guest authors to describe best practices developed at their own institutions and/or explore topics that carry broad implications for public service practitioners.