Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
In Adams County, Colorado, the Rangeview Libraries have rebranded to be-
come Anythink. The image of Anythink is one of innovation, where the information
professionals who manage each library branch are called “experience experts” and
the customers who visit the library are referred to as “Anythinkers.” The citizens
have been invited to belong to a wider vision, one that invites them to discover that
anything they can think, they can find at their library. These changes have instilled
a sense of pride and membership. The attention to learning can be recognized in
the Anythink trademark where their mission is to “open doors for curious minds”
and the evidence can be seen in the revitalized and newly constructed buildings,
values and library programs (Anythink 2014).
Anythink Libraries won the National Medal for Library Service in 2010. “The lib-
rary district has revolutionized its operations in nearly every way, making it easi-
er to use, empowering its staff, and establishing dynamic activities for users of
all ages, and the results have been phenomenal,” said U.S. Representative Jared
Polis, who recommended them for the award (Polis 2010).
Cultural Function
Previous economies were based on agriculture and products; the Industrial Age
brought more refined products and manufacturing. While we still rely on manufac-
turing, knowledge products have gained in both quantity and value. eBooks and
iPads disseminate cultural works and can provide the platform for teaching oneself
to play piano. Consequently, young teens today who readily use the computer are
accustomed to learning music without needing to rely on having the large instru-
ment available.
Technologies and systems enable large groups of people to use a variety of
devices to share their lives and create a culture of vast networks for communica-
tion. Companies don't use paper storage as they once did; digital cloud storage is
accessible via the Internet. Some universities have made the switch to Google for
e-mail and use Google products for e-mail, course instruction, and communication,
infusing new practices to support learning.
An important element of the digital-age culture is the virtual communities people
can create using social media. For some it is more recreational as they create mul-
timedia recordings of their day-to-day living and share widely with friends and fam-
ily in online platforms, such as Facebook. The definition of “friends” has grown to
include Facebook friends, “hot dudes,” or others known only online. People “friend”
others because they are acquaintances. It is widely understood that some want to
have lots of friends; therefore, people “friend” strangers, giving them the opportun-
ity to further investigate the possibilities of new relationships, or more likely their
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