I saw this coming…did you?

SirsiDynix announces new technology platform. Forget Unicorn, forget Horizon, they’re merging to create “Rome.” Given what happened to that empire, I might have chosen a different name. And given my experience with Horizon, I can’t say I’m thinking this is a good thing. I don’t want to know what our patrons will do when they find out we’re migrating again, because either way, we will be. What do you think?

Nylink Annual Meeting: It’s a Mashed-Up World

“It’s a Mashed-Up World: Current and Emerging Technology Trends”

Wednesday, May 9 – Thursday, May 10
Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa
Saratoga Springs, New York

Shaping the next stage of library services, resources and organization will involve anticipation, collaboration, participation and mobilization. Nylink is pleased to present a group of leading thinkers, researchers and technology professionals to address trends, challenges and opportunities that influence the lives of library users and the library’s role in the cultural commons.

For more information go to NYLINK Annual Meeting 2007.

New Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Database

via NYLINE listserv

The New York State Department of Labor has produced a database of science, technology, engineering and mathematics resources for school-aged children and their teachers as part of their CareerZone web site. The resource called Innovate for Teens is located at:

http://www.nycareerzone.org/graphic/stem

and contains hundreds of listings of workshops, summer camps, internships, and games and activities appropriate to various ages. There are also links to the CareerZone job descriptions of the many occupations which use science, technology, and mathematics skills.

The Teacher materials include externships and sources for professional development for math and science teachers, as well as lesson plans and curriculum enhancement programs.

This web site is constantly being updated, so check back often. Also, if you know of any workshops, camps or internships in your area that we have missed and that have a web site (this database is strictly web-based), please let me know and I will pass the information along to the appropriate staff. You can also reach the CareerZone team by phone at 518-457-4234 or by e-mail at support@nycareerzone.org .

Social Libraries: The 2.0 Phenomenon: An Interactive Workshop

via the Upstate New York Chapter of Special Libraries Association (UNYSLA):

The Upstate New York Chapter of SLA Presents:
A day with Stephen Abram

Friday – April 27, 2007
Kate Gleason Auditorium
Bausch & Lomb Public Library Building, Rochester Central Library
Rochester, NY

The social web is coming fast and it’s BIG! What are the skills and competencies that Library 2.0 will need?

Come and hear what Web 2.0 is and the adaptations we’ll need to make to thrive in the future. Are we focusing on the real end user’s needs?

Are we serving our users in the world that will be or the one that was? The new user is different, very different. This workshop will define and explore the current state of this world and then facilitate a brainstorming session of the potential for these tools in your enterprise. Be prepared to listen, learn, work and participate.

Stephen Abram, MLS a library futurist and president-elect of SLA, will run us through the changes that are being wrought on today’s roller-coaster! He will then lead our groups through valuable discussions and learning to bring these back and apply the learning in our organization context.

For more details and registration information, visit the UNYSLA Spring Meeting Annoucement.