Carson Block Consulting

Technology Vision. Technology Power. Your Library.

Opportunities Everywhere

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Wow! So much happening – everywhere, all at once!

Some libraries are experiencing their most challenging times right now, while others are thriving. I can hear it now: “Really, Carson? Thriving?”

Despite the challenges, thriving libraries (and believe me, thriving libraries are facing massive challenges, too) are looking for opportunities in the midst of change, challenge, and even crisis. For libraries facing content challenges, many have taken the opportunity to show the community how much the library cares about developing collections that serve all, inspiring supporters of all sripes to deepen the conversation Others braced with a clear vision for improving the communities they serve, have powered through multiple challenges with the attitude “the harder they come, the harder they fall.”

One thriving, inspirational library system I’ve worked with (in partnership with Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning) is the San Diego Public Library to create a Master Plan. SDPL has an extremely strong relationship with its San Diego Library Foundation – a true model of collaboration that offers much for all of us to learn from. (Pro tip: check out the Instagram Account for the SD Library Foundation for some of the most effective social media approaches in the field).

SDPL was the inspiration for a webinar I did (in partnership with the wonderful Sarah Morris) for the RAILS libraries in Illinois – entitled “Putting the “u” in Digital Equity. The presentation shows how to really lean into the opportunities we have now to create more digital equity opportunities for our patrons by harnessing the energy throughout the county and putting it to work!

If you would like a peek, the slides are here. And if you would like a workshop on this topic for your library or group (virtual or in-person) — or even some help in designing and implementing your own digital equity efforts — just get in touch!

Special thanks to friend and consulting mentor Joan Frye Williams, who signed off on communications with a “I hope you are thriving!” message. A good intention, and a great aspiration!

Vote for my SXSW Conference Proposal!

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Are you interested in engaging a vast community of techs, creatives, and others in library issues? If yes, please vote for my proposed South by Southwest conference proposal entitled The Great Library Swindle II: Your Rights Are Still at Risk here.

SXSW Interactive is an annual conference that gathers techs, creatives, influencers, authors, government officials, and other movers and shakers to explore and share the latest developments and trends shaping our world. When many people hear “South by Southwest,” they think of the renowned Music, Film and Education conferences (which are also excellent). This conference is where people go to share, hear and launch big ideas.

This session aims to create awareness about issues facing libraries and show conference attendees how they can easily support their local libraries.

Like this idea? See more at the SXSW site and vote today!

If you’re so inclined, please feel free to share out my post on:

If this idea is accepted at the conference, I’m assembling a panel of folks in the trenches on this issue. Do you know someone – or are you that person? Nominate here: https://forms.gle/z4bB1b8tRnYzKwNb7

Management of Technology class 2023

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It’s that time again! Registration is open for the Management of Technology class that I’ve taught for eleven years! This class puts the focus on the things that do not change in the ever-evolving world of library technology. The class also harnesses the power of student collaboration to create a learning experience that leaves students with confidence and mastery of technology management. I hope you can make it!

Here’s a brief video describing the class:

Class Information:

You can register for the class here!

Dates: April 10 – May 22, 2023

Instructor: Carson Block

Format: Online asynchronous sessions with access to recordings.

  • Sessions and materials will be made available on six sequential Mondays.
  • There will be a recorded lecture each week.  Occasional live sessions in which the instructor will address specific questions and content from participants may be scheduled.
  • A link to a recording of each session will be made available to the students shortly after each session concludes.

This course puts the full power of information technology into the hands of library managers and leaders. You’ll start with a clear vision and an understanding of technology policy.  Next, you’ll consider the nuts and bolts of managing technology.  Technology planning is next followed by technology implementation, and finally, evaluation. The course is presented in plain language with many concrete examples and exercises. Topics include: connecting your library’s goals to technological possibilities, monitoring and administrating technology budgets, assessing resources, drawing a line between efforts and impacts, evaluating those efforts and making course corrections, and understanding and using emerging technologies. You will assemble your own Technology Planning Kit, which will help you create your own library technology plan. Course tools include spreadsheet and tally sheet templates for you to download to evaluate budgets, inventory populations served and electronic services provided, inventory hardware and software, and calculate the relationship between the cost and value of a technology investment. 

Management of Technology Class

By

It’s that time again! Registration is open for the Management of Technology class that I’ve taught for ten years! This class puts the focus on the things that do not change in the ever-evolving world of library technology. The class also harnesses the power of student collaboration to create a learning experience that leaves students with confidence and mastery of technology management. I hope you can make it!

Here’s a brief video describing the class:

Class Information:

You can register for the class here (follow the link and scroll down a bit): https://ala-apa.org/certification/courses-offered/upcoming-courses/

Dates: April 12 – May 24, 2021

Instructor: Carson Block

Format: Online asynchronous sessions with access to recordings.

  • Sessions and materials will be made available on six sequential Mondays.
  • There will be a recorded lecture each week.  Occasional live sessions in which the instructor will address specific questions and content from participants may be scheduled.
  • A link to a recording of each session will be made available to the students shortly after each session concludes.

This course puts the full power of information technology into the hands of library managers and leaders. You’ll start with a clear vision and an understanding of technology policy.  Next, you’ll consider the nuts and bolts of managing technology.  Technology planning is next followed by technology implementation, and finally, evaluation. The course is presented in plain language with many concrete examples and exercises. Topics include: connecting your library’s goals to technological possibilities, monitoring and administrating technology budgets, assessing resources, drawing a line between efforts and impacts, evaluating those efforts and making course corrections, and understanding and using emerging technologies. You will assemble your own Technology Planning Kit, which will help you create your own library technology plan. Course tools include spreadsheet and tally sheet templates for you to download to evaluate budgets, inventory populations served and electronic services provided, inventory hardware and software, and calculate the relationship between the cost and value of a technology investment. 

Resources for Re-Opening Libraries

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Are you reopening your library and want to see how others are approaching the task? Do you have any reopening resources to share? This folder is a “quick & easy access” collection spot for libraries to share reopening resources, inspired by the excellent documentation shared by Christian Zabriskie, Director of the Onondaga County Public Library in New York on the Facebook Group “Librarians Step Up (in Times of Crisis)”.

While national organizations such as ALA and many state library agencies and consortiums are publishing excellent guidelines, it’s been hard to locate and and share library-to-library resources for collaboration around approaches to re-opening. This space is offered for that purpose.  As well, my office is gathering published guidelines from national, state and regional agencies in a single doc (as best we can with what we can locate) to share.

If you would like to share your library reopening materials in the directory (at https://bit.ly/2LPJGQX ) please send them to me and they will be added.

Thank you!

This shared space is coordinated by library consultant Carson Block as a service to libraries re-opening during the COVID-19 pandemic to share information. The materials posted here belong to each contributing library or institution. Carson Block Consulting is not responsible for the content or accuracy of the content shared here.

Just in time: Managing Technology E-course

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Are you using any current downtime to brush up on your skills? It’s time for another round of my field-tested-and-library-worker-approved class on managing technology! Register: https://ala-apa.org/certification/courses-offered/

The primary experience is learning thorough collaboration with classmates online. In the ten years I’ve been teaching this class, students walk away with high marks for both the class content — and the experiences forged with classmates online as everyone works through the tech challenges that *don’t* change as the world churns. The six-week class begins the week of April 20 – and registration is open through April 26.

This class is part of ALA/APA’s Certified Public Library Administrator program, but open to all! The class is usually a mix of CPLA candidates, non-technical library managers, and even tech and IT managers!

Course Description: This course puts the full power of information technology into the hands of library managers and leaders. You’ll start with a clear vision and an understanding of technology policy.  Next, you’ll consider the nuts and bolts of managing technology.  Technology planning is next followed by technology implementation, and finally, evaluation. The course is presented in plain language with many concrete examples and exercises. Topics include: connecting your library’s goals to technological possibilities, monitoring and administrating technology budgets, assessing resources, drawing a line between efforts and impacts, evaluating those efforts and making course corrections, and understanding and using emerging technologies. You will assemble your own Technology Planning Kit, which will help you create your own library technology plan. Course tools include spreadsheet and tally sheet templates for you to download to evaluate budgets, inventory populations served and electronic services provided, inventory hardware and software, and calculate the relationship between the cost and value of a technology investment.

Register: https://ala-apa.org/certification/courses-offered/

Please leave your WiFi on!

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Libraries that are closed or closing – good move! Please keep your #wifi on for those with no other connectivity options. It supports information access *and* social distancing. I know some libraries turn WiFi off after hours for safety reasons – others leave it on 24/7 as a public service. If you turn yours off, please consider leaving it on during what would be your normal operating hours. Everyone needs information now more than ever – and access options in communities are dropping quickly. #library #covid19 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpTIdHrl4yE

It’s 2020!

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Thank you so much, good library people, for the excellent collections, services, technology, opportunities and spaces you provide to people everywhere! 2019 was chock full of wonderful work with libraries throughout the land. Here’s to all the best in 2020. Yowsa! (PS: This is a celebration at the top of a mountain on my sister’s Colorado ranch – it’s a New Year’s Day tradition for friends and neighbors to climb to the top with donkeys and toast the new year with sparkling cider!)

What’s right and what’s wrong with library technology?

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Got 2-3 minutes to help other libraries – and yourself? Please click the appropriate link below for a very brief “temperature check” survey asking what’s right and what’s wrong with library tech. I’ll share the results!

Public Library Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JT332NB

Academic & Special Library Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F7ZWKC3

Library chalkboard with ideas for the future!