On October 27, 2021, Innovative General Manager Yariv Kursh joined library technology consultant Ken Chad for the first Local Government Library Technology (LGLibTech) ‘leaders dialogue’ webinar. LGLibTech is a free and open community for those interested in public library technology started by Chad.
During this conversation, Kursh and Chad discussed the current state and future of public library technology, and the importance of investing in digital services.
“I believe with the right technology, with the right deployment, people will come back to the libraries.” Kursh said during the webinar. “At the start of COVID-19, libraries closed their doors, but libraries were still open. The library exists always, either in the physical space or the virtual space. You need to make the magic of the physical space exist digitally.”
The webinar spanned a number of digital-first topics, including: The use of AI, the potential for open source tools, and bringing experiences patrons use elsewhere to the library.
“Isn’t it time that libraries take advantage of the same technology used by Netflix and content providers?” Kursh asked.
For those who missed the conversation, an archive of the webcast can be found online here.
We want to thank Ken for his time, knowledge, and expertise as libraries continue to find new and innovative ways to improve patron engagement, and we look forward to future conversations about ways for libraries to take advantage of opportunities to better serve their communities.