xxiii Introduction to the Revised Edition: A Word of Hope What, me worry? —Alfred E. Neuman1 The library technology landscape in 2019 has more churn than ever before— and although wishing that it would settle out a bit is a common feeling among library people, we have some news that is both good and bad: our wild techno- logical ride is really just beginning. We think that is mostly good. This book offers an overview of the key technology systems used in mod- ern libraries and offers a clear sense of how technology has formed and adapted to ultimately serve patrons. A good number of these technology systems— many with roots in pre-internet computing—were first designed to digitally replicate our physical analog systems that have served libraries well. Many of these traditional systems were mostly static (no need to change things that are successful). As the internet and Web grew, our entire context for using technology passed through a gateway into a new world. Although traditional library goals of access, equity, education, enlightenment, and public service remain, the manner in which we achieve those goals in a digital age has changed— and continues to change—drastically and often. This ongoing change— sometimes referred to as “churn”—is a hallmark of the digital age. How is this mostly good news? When things change, it’s our human nature to mourn what we have lost. Mourning is a form of healthy respect for the good people and things no longer with us. Mourning can be a gate- way to connect us with our values, especially when we ask ourselves the “why?” questions, such as “Why do I miss the old ways so much?” When mourning, however, we also have the chance to see what new opportunities are brought by change. This is the good news. The habit and skill of spotting opportunities in the midst of chaos is one of the factors fuel- ing technology changes in so many fields. Often referred to as “disruption,” there is rarely a day that passes where some new technological development offers an opportunity that didn’t exist before. For libraries closely in touch with their missions (of access, equity, public service, and more) the modern technological age presents an ever-refreshing cornucopia of options to serve
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