EDITOR'S NOTES
Slam Dunking the Latest Tech
by Dick Kaser
When we called for papers for this issue, it was for articles about drones, blockchain, 3D printing, Big Data, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), the Internet of Things (IoT), AI and machine learning, and robots in the library. Lo and behold, we got just about all of it, which only goes to show that these “emerging” technologies are already at the forefront of library thinking—and not just in the U.S., but all over the world.
James King, from the NIH Library at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—the world’s largest biomedical research agency—walks you through everything the library is doing to support NIH’s 6,000 scientists—including installing 3D printing equipment and the latest AR/VR tools in its model Technology Hub.
In stark contrast, Ahmed Amin Abo-Seada, of the Egyptian National Agricultural Library, describes the sad state of libtech infrastructure in Egypt, neighboring areas, and developing nations worldwide. In a thought-provoking essay, he lays out the potential for the IoT to transform the way that cities run. He also makes a passionate plea for libraries and the institutions governing them to lead the way.
Bohyun Kim, of the University of Rhode Island Libraries (URI), explains why the new AI Lab at URI was designed to be a learning center as much as an innovation center. Steven Shelton, of the University of Tennessee–Chattanooga Library, discusses the potential for robots in libraries. And CIL columnist Terence Huwe describes how blockchain technology could have a paradigm-shifting impact on us all.
Since the theme for this issue struck such a resonating chord with authors, we’ve had to hold some topics for future issues. Check back next month for more.
Dick Kaser, Executive Editor
kaser@infotoday.com
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