Thank you to Chance Hunt for the really interesting discussion about using signals from today’s headlines to project potential challenges and advancements for libraries of the future. Mr. Hunt described Strategic Foresight as the ability to see all the possibilities of a new technology; to recognize the good and bad implications in order to be proactive in our planning.
As an exercise, we were given signals in the form of recent articles about technology. We then discussed what those technologies could mean for libraries. The one that caught my eye was, of course, using Artificial Intelligence to replace umpires in calling balls and strikes. I am all for anything that will eliminate the play review and move the game along.
As pertains to children’s librarianship, the best use of AI might be to track the location of materials. Wouldn’t it be grand to have a chip in every book, or a code in every ISBN that could be tracked, so that items could be found anywhere within the library building?
So keep an eye on the headlines and think forward – everything is possible!
Conference blogger Laura Lehner is the Head of Youth Services at the Hudson Library & Historical Society in Hudson, Ohio. A member of ALA for 18 years and ALSC for 5, Laura is very much looking forward to the conference for the great conversations that will take place about providing library services during the pandemic and, always, about children’s literature and programs. A favorite snack is anything with chocolate and peanut butter!
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.