September 15 workshop outlines the possibilities for technology in the new library
Discussion and surveys provide the Library with advice about community needs and hopes

Nearly fifty community members in the Billings area gathered on a sunny September Saturday to speculate about future library technology. As Parmly Billings Library moves closer to a new facility, community involvement in the technology planning for the facility was solicited at the iLibrary gathering. People were asked to provide input for technology planning based on their own needs and own knowledge of the possibilities, but also looking at issues affecting the community as well.

National library technology gurus Michael Porter and David Lee King informed and inspired the gathering with examples of technology in place in libraries around the country. This was followed with break-out brainstorming groups and presentation of the ideas generated, with the larger group selecting the ideas that most inspired them. A panel of local technology experts brought home-town expertise on board. Josh Blotkamp from First Interstate Bank explained the inner workings of mobile technologies and near field communications; Desiree Caskey from Billings School District 2 focused on the integration of technology into K-12 educational curricula including BYOD – Bring Your Own Device to school; Tim Urbaniak from City College at MSU-Billings demonstrated the practical use of 3-D printing for mapping and archival purposes; and David Schaer from Computers Unlimited championed the evolution of online education and cloud computing. Montana State Library Technology Consultant Suzanne Reymer helped explain library culture and perspective to attendees. She stressed the importance of robust wifi, access for those with disabilities and providing patrons with a means to write and self-publish. Instant polls and survey questions presented to attendees throughout came back via online or text message replies with results posted in real-time, making the process both lively and interactive.

The synergy of people from different industries and walks of life all enthusiastically talking about what libraries could create using technology was a gratifying outcome. The library will be using the results of the iLibrary visions to develop the technology plan for the new Library, slated to open in Fall 2013. The iLibrary event was sponsored by the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Parmly Billings Library.


Keynote Speakers:

Michael Porter is a librarian, presenter, author, practical technology fan, and PEZ collector. He has 20 years of experience working in Libraryland and has presented hundreds of times to library staff around the world. His writings regularly appear in major library journals around the world. In 2009 he was selected as a Library Journal “Mover & Shaker”, in 2010 was elected to the American Library Association’s governing Council and in 2011 was also elected to the ALA Executive Board. He previously worked with The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, OCLC, WebJunction, and the Allen County Public Library. Michael currently serves as CEO of Library Renewal (libraryrenewal.org ), an organization dedicated to research, partnerships and grassroots support for libraries as they struggle to offer electronic content to their users in competitive ways. Read more from Michael at libraryman.com




David Lee King is the Digital Services Director at Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, where he plans, implements, and experiments with emerging technology trends. He speaks internationally about emerging trends, website management, digital experience, and social media, and has been published in many library-related journals. David was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker for 2008. His newest book, Face2Face, was published in September 2012. David writes the Outside/In column in American Libraries Magazine with Michael Porter, and maintains a blog at http://www.davidleeking.com.



Local Technology Experts:

Josh Blotkamp, IT Systems Research and Design at First Interstate Bank – Josh develops solutions in the areas of mobile Banking, remote deposit, payment options, fund transfers. He is a seasoned IT professional and works to integrate strategic IT systems.

Desiree Caskey, Technology Integration Specialist for School District 2 – Desiree instructs teachers K-12 how to incorporate new technologies into their curriculum. She developed the TILT (Teachers Integrating & Learning Technology) staff development model and started the Montana Council for Computers in Education Tech Summit.

Suzanne Reymer, Statewide Technology Consultant at the Montana State Library – Suzanne is an early adopter of new technologies, social networker, gadget guru, librarian and technology instructor for librarians.

David Schaer, Entrepreneur/owner Computers Unlimited - David and his colleagues provide integrated software solutions, cloud computing and support services to three primary markets – Industrial Gas & Welding Supply Distributors, HME/DME & Closed Pharmacy Providers and Audiologists & Dispensers.

Tim Urbaniak, drafting and design instructor at City College at MSU-B – Tim is a project leader for 3D reconstructions of historic sites, digital imaging applications, surveying technologies, desktop virtual reality, three-dimensional scanning and applications of multimedia.


Questions? Email e-mail or call the Library 247-8531.

Funding provided by:
U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technologies Opportunity Program
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Parmly Billings Library