2009 has been a big year for everyone who works in the Troy Public Library's Technology Department.
We created a new website for the Library, and switched to Polaris, our new Integrated Library System. We aggressively jumped into social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook. We have seen record breaking use of downloadable services like OverDrive, and increased demand for our public technology classes. Through it all, we have been keeping you informed of the the latest happenings in library technology and beyond here at The Tech Desk, publishing over 500 posts in 2009.
As is common at this time of year, many publications feature lists describing the best music, movies, books, and more of the year. In the same tradition, here are some of the favorite websites, technology developments, and Tech Desk posts from several Tech Desk contributors.
Phillip Kwik
Favorite websites: Lifehacker (good practical tips), Wired (thoughtful reviews of technology and society)
Favorite new technology: Though not new, the rise of ebooks and ebook readers is the tech story of the year.
Favorite 2009 Tech Desk posts: From Monty Python, A Valuable Lesson in Selling the Product, Publishing at the Crossroads, Daniel Schorr on Twitter and Web-based Media
Mary Hojnacki
Favorite new technology: Twitter. It is a great way to keep in touch and at 140 characters, you don't have to obsess over what to write or how much to write. And if you're a pop culture junkie like me, it's fun to read what witty things your favorite celebs have to say. Twitter was around before this year, but it really exploded in 2009.
Chris Hunsanger
Favorite websites: Lifehacker, Google Reader (favorite RSS reader), Mesh.com (for remote file access and for connecting to computers remotely), Seesmic.com/Brizzly.com (for Twitter access)
Favorite new technology: Google Voice, Skydrive, Droid phones from Verizon
Favorite 2009 Tech Desk post: Job Search Logs May Help Your Job Search be More Successful
John Robertson
Favorite websites: Lifehacker, PCMag.com. This is also the first year I've been really listening to podcasts. Some of my favorites are Cranky Geeks, This Week in Tech, and Sound Opinions.
Favorite new technology: Twitter. Whether it is being used as a tool for political protest, following celebrities, or just talking about what you are doing, Twitter has been one of the biggest stories of 2009 and has now become part of my daily routine.
Favorite 2009 Tech Desk post: Traditional Library Services in the 21st Century: A Visit to the Digital Bookmobile
From all of us at The Tech Desk, thanks for following us during 2009. We hope you have a wonderful 2010.
1 comment:
Nice post, John.
In rethinking, I would have to add the Google family as one of my favorite websites. I use Google constantly -- as a map maker, a dictionary, a search engine... and from blogging to Reader to Wave. It has become ubiquitous in my online life.
Happy new year.
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