Library Technology Forecast for 2013

In the December 2012 issue of Computers in Libraries, Marshall Breeding provides his Tech Review and Forecast for 2013:

"As another year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the trends in play related to library technologies and attempt to anticipate their trajectory going forward. We are in an incredibly interesting period in the realm of library technologies. Rather than just refining and rebuilding products on models of functionality that have been in place since the early decades of library automation, many efforts are under way to break free from well-established historical approaches and create new products better aligned with the multifaceted realities of libraries in their collections and services and that embrace current technology architectures. Other threads of activity include the ongoing enhancement and redevelopment of existing products. The library tech scene has historically been one of evolution, but the current cycle includes some uncharacteristically revolutionary tracks."

In the article, Breeding looks at web discovery services, library systems, mobile technologies, new procurement patterns, and open source products.

Breeding, a well-known library automation expert, is the founder of the Library Technology Guides website.