Univ. of Md Leadership Institute

Ed Murray (emurray@connix.com)
Wed, 13 Aug 1997 12:29:01 -0400 

Date: Wed, 13 Aug 1997 12:29:01 -0400
Message-Id: <199708131630.MAA01289@comet.connix.com>
From: Ed Murray <emurray@connix.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <conntech>
Subject: Univ. of Md Leadership Institute

Hi Conntechers.  Laurel Goodgion of Portland and PL and Ed Murray of New
London Pl had the good fortune to be selected by the Continuing Ed Committee
to attend this year's Univ. of MD Leadership Institute held from Aug 3-7.
Our theme was "Managing Technology in Public Libraries," and was hosted by
the Airley House in the rolling horse country of Virginia.

A third CT librarian, Branch Librarian Geri Roberts, was sent to the
conference by Shelton PL.  In addition to us, fifty-two library managers,
library school faculty, and computer and information scientists from
twenty-six states also participated.  Here's a summary of the programs:

"Directions for Public Libraries"- Joey Rodger, Pres.-Urban Libraries Council
examined the differences between disruptive and sustaining technologies in
libraries.  While some technology sustains our traditional roles, like circ
software, other technologies encroach on and disrupt some traditional
services. Nicholas Baker and his supporters demand the stability of the
printed word in libraries, while youth value web and online products.
Similar contradictions arise in our role as a quiet place, and the need for
computer printers, library programming, and other noisy activities often not
valued by traditionalists.  Joey believes librarians are too willing to
accept guilt for forces beyond their control.  She maintains that paying
attention to change is today's greatest managerial responsibility, and that
"where to pay attention is the hardest skill."

"Scenario Building:Leadership Strategies for Anticipating Change"-Director
Ann Friedman and Arlington County (VA) Dept. of Libraries staff
Arlington's approach transcends strategic planning and first creates four
distinct community models that emerge within a period of fifteen years.
Library staff assigned to the process create these models from political,
economic, social, and technological trends.  From there action plans are
formed for each community profile.  The entire process was completed in
Arlington in nine months.

"Developing an Effective Technology Plan"-Data Consultant Diane Mayo
a timely topic with the coming USF application process.  Diane reminded the
audience that technology is a tool to accomplish objectives, and not a goal
within itself.  She stressed the importance of building training components
into all programs, telling us "you're wasting your money if you don't!"  The
tech planning process was described at length and we ended with a discussion
of the FCC's requirements in an approved plan.

"Internet Access in Public Libraries" was a panel discussion hosted by
Patrick O'Brien of Alexandria (VA) PL.  Panel members included Bob Smith of
Medina County (OH) District Lib, Christine Hage of Rochester Hills (MI) PL,
and Steve Helm of Mongomery-Floyd Regional Lib and the Blacksburg Electronic
Village Project.  Filtering was described by some as a necessity, and by
others as "the F word!"  All agreed that solid policy and straight forward
Internet procedures are a must.

"Emerging Technologies:Wither the web (wither the web?)"-Tamas Doszkocs, Sr.
Computer Scientist-National Library of Medicine
Tamas astonished us with a terrific explanation and demonstration of how
search engines really work and gave us some glimpses of future products.
His presentation is available at http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/~doszkocs  Take a
look at this site:

        A real virtual catalog-  http://www.bcpl.lib.md.us/vcat.html
        (He markets this-he's at doszkocs@nlm.nih.gov)

He recommends these too:

        Best searches-   http://infoseek.com   or http:www.yahoo.com
        Best passage extraction- http://www.excite.com
                                 http://www.collectanea.com

"Data Communications"-Dr. James Rush, Exec. Dir. of PALINET
gave us an overview starting from simple physical science (properties of
radiation, how telephone service works) to current datacomm product
offerings.  Many of the participants valued this holistic instruction.

"Online Guerrilla Marketing for Libraries"-Rivkah Sass, Thomson Tech. Group 
a provocative look at how PLs are losing the marketing battle to traditional
competitors (Parks and Rec., Police and Fire) and new competitors.  She
suggests partnering with mega-book stores where possible, such as in
children's programming, and reviving our own websites.  She particularly
wants to see libraries sell books to the public as a means of raising funds
and interest in our institutions.

"Information Policy in Transition"-Rick Weingarten, ALA Washington Sr. Info.
Fellow, Bruce McConnell-Head of Info. Policy-OMB
our final session covered the policy formation policy that emanates from
"inside the Beltway."  Both speakers addressed the concerns of the audience,
which included the formation of the USF program, privacy issues, encryption,
Internet filtering, and the Federal Depository Library Program.

Also of value was our contact with the fifty-two other library managers,
library school faculty, computer and information scientists from twenty-six
states.  Our rural Virginia venue was beautiful and perfect for the
Institute.  A less lengthy description of our experience has also been
submitted to CT Libraries.

If you get the chance to do this sometime-go for it!  Thanks, Ed


------------------------------------------
Ed Murray, Director
New London Public Library
63 Huntington St., New London, CT 06320
Voice: (860)447-1411	Fax: (860)443-2083