Technology Got the Best of Me

 

3-21-2025

I consider myself at least technologically literate. Like many Americans, I spend much more time on my computer, phone, and tablet than is really good for me. I answer questions about patron devices on a regular basis and can troubleshoot just fine. True there are devices I choose not to learn such as our video game system and the most recent update to the smart tv, but that’s because I have staff and can delegate. If I really need to use it, I learn how.

Then Friday happened.

One of the services a library system provides the libraries in its service area is negotiating collective purchasing and subscription agreements. Deciding what subscriptions will be included is a focus for several months. The directors of Prairie Lakes libraries began discussions on the 2026 services and budget in February. This is the budget that funds Ancestry.com, our Libby/OverDrive contribution, and computer programs for staff use among other services.

One of this year’s computer programs is a marketing tool for sending out emails – newsletters, announcements, even personalized messages. We haven’t used any email newsletter services, so this was supposed to be exciting and tailored to fit the strategic goal regarding expanding communication.

The marketing director for PLLS arranged a workshop for libraries wishing to receive hands on instruction and work time with peers available to ask questions and bounce ideas. As a bonus, a rep from the company was available to lead the training portion. So, I sallied forth to Milton Public Library to get creative.

Let’s just say after waiting an hour for the rep to log into the webinar, my sallying time was dwindling quickly. Staff from the larger libraries, ones with dedicated marketing time, had newsletters ready to go and were there to brainstorm and fine tune. I learned how to make it past the log in screen. An hour later I had a rough idea about the purpose of various tabs without any real comfort in using them. That was partially due to every libraries’ documents being saved together and no clear understanding about the various boxes I was supposed to be filling in with titles and descriptions and commands.

An hour after the rep began answering questions, I was able to log into their help site, yes it’s a different website and covers all the companies products making it ever so fun finding the answer to that one, beginner level question. I’ll take it as a win.

If you find me huddled in the lower level with my laptop, I’m probably searching their help site for training materials or throwing my hands up and using YouTube videos to figure it out and wishing Apple made the product. (Yes, I’m iPhone, not Android.) The frustration will be good for me. I’ll be ever so much more empathetic in the future.

Newsletters to follow.

Listening to Now: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott