Technophobe vs. Technolust OR "...if you're not doing something that someone hates, it's probably mediocre."

So now that we know everything we can know, until more is said and we're lost again, how do we convince our colleagues to jump with us? Which magic words will we find that will open up the budgets, the time, and the energy reserves (anyone else tired?). As one last random stream of consciousness ramble on the readings, I’d like to talk about two of our readings, which actually seem quite different now that I write about them.

I like the measured and practical approach that Karen Coombs takes in "Helping Technology spurred change take." To steal directly from her article, she suggests that we keep these things in mind when introducing our new techy ideas:

* Make whatever technology you are implementing fool proof and easy.

* Provide people with training on the technology and lots of “reminders” to help them when they forget.
* Clearly illustrate benefit of the change to both staff and librarians, but also library users.
* Build a loyal set of followers
* Get the support of the powers that be

I think we've all talked about this, and all know it, but it's good to be reminded! I’m not saying that Karen isn’t advocating a push, but she’s also asking us to roll out our plans with thought and consideration of our users.

Later in the morning, I read Cathy Sierra's "Death by Risk Aversion" and found myself both energized and scared. To quote "many of the ‘leaf nodes" ... tend to be innovative and brave, but many of the "branches" ... can't stomach the risks." I love the wonderfully appropriate springtime metaphors! What I really found interesting, and what I'd like to try to keep in my mind whether I'm a node or a branch is the need to let go... She says "[h]ere's where the Buddhists have an edge. Too many of us hold on to practices or ideas (including sacred cows) long past their sell-by date. If it doesn't serve us any longer, it's time to give it up no matter how well it served us in the past.” I think this applies to both new and old ideas. We have to find a way to balance between being phobic and obnoxiously enthusiastic. We have to be understanding... We have to be encouraging... And we really have to have a bit of courage ourselves to face the people who say "that is ridiculous."