Editor's Introduction: The Gates Foundation Global Libraries Project began in 1997 to empower U.S. libraries and expanded in 2000 to include libraries around the world. The project ended this year. The project goal was to ensure that anyone able to get to a public library could reach the Internet, and thus the opportunities it afforded. The foundation provided grants, public access computers, software, training, and technical support to libraries around the world. The project hosted an information-sharing online community called GL Voices, which officially closed on September 14, 2018.
While working with the Gates Foundation on the Global Libraries project, consultant Lindsay Bealko asked technology staff involved in the project what their favorite resources for staying current on library tech issues were. The following resource list is a compilation of their recommendations. We share it here with permission of Lindsay Bealko and the Gates Foundation.
On Library Innovation
- LITA (Library and Information Technology Association, a division of the American Library Association) — Become a member for more benefits; or subscribe to their blog at litablog.org.
- WebJunction — Online learning community with a focus on library technologies, management, and services, along with public access. E-newsletter and regular free webinars offered.
- Library Technology Guides by Marshall Breeding — Information on the many different types of technology products and services used by libraries.
On Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D)
- EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme — For news on innovations in libraries and opportunities for libraries to use ICT to improve their capacity and the lives of those they serve.
- Beyond Access — For news on innovations and how libraries use ICT to power development.
- The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) Information Technology Section — Hosts a community-focused listserv on IT in libraries.
On Library Programming Resources
- Public Libraries Online — For news on innovative services in public libraries.
- Public Libraries 2020 — This site is not IT-focused but is a good EU-based resource on how libraries change lives.
- Thegovlab.org at New York University — This website is helpful because it seeks to answer the question, "What kind of public and civic problems can be solved with technology?"
- Codeforamerica.org — Follow this site for seminars and to stay current on how we can help teach code or use IT solutions to solve community challenges.
General Technology Resources or Tech News Sources
- Microsoft TechNet
- ITPro Today
- ZDNet
- TechRadar
- PCMag.com
- TechCrunch
- BBC Technology News and Click weekly podcast
- Ars Technica
- PCWorld
Social Media Recommendations
- MakerSpaces and the Participatory Library — This is an international Facebook group focused on the maker and DYI movement and cutting-edge technology for patrons like VR, 3D printing and modeling, and biomimicry. Go here for tools and ideas you may have never heard of.
- Tecnología y Bibliotecas Públicas — This is a Spanish language Facebook page from Colombia where librarians can get information related to technology and libraries and the strong relation between them.
User Groups
- Microsoft IT Pros Facebook Group — A place for highly skilled IT professionals who are ready and waiting to assist with various technical difficulties.
- Cisco Community — A great networking support community. Being a part of this community allows you to learn and relate to new and cutting-edge technology.
- Adobe Community — This is a vibrant network and community that is full of new products and ideas that facilitate the know-how to answer a lot of unanswered questions.
- WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla — These are all nonprofit user communities where you can learn and ask anything about website development.
About the Author
Lindsay Bealko is Founder of Toolkit Consulting, where she helps mission-minded organizations develop engaging learning and events, creative communications, and powerful social good programs.
