[LM_NET] TARGET: Technophobe to Technophile

[Mary Ann Bell <drmaryannbell@GMAIL.COM>]

Several years ago I posted a TARGET asking people about factors that could
encourage people who were afraid of technology to overcome their fears. I
now want to revisit that issue. I would be grateful to hear from you
regarding the following questions:

   1. Do you still have people on your staff that can be described as
   technophobes…is this still a problem? I have recently read some articles
   that seem to assume this gap has been bridged, but I personally have doubts.

   2. These factors were mentioned in 1999 as ones that brought people to
   technology. Do they still seem relevant?
      1. Use of mentors
      2. Starting with communication (email being the entry
      application for many reluctant users)
      3. Relevant staff development
      4. Sink or swim…people are just forced into using technology by
      mandates at their jobs.
   3. Do you find that age and/or gender are frequently common factors? I
   am particularly interested in whether you are still finding younger faculty
   that are reluctant to use technology.
   4. Do you have any other suggestions for how to help technophobes be
   more confident users of technology?

Thanks in advance and, on a personal note, it is great to be back. I am now
using a different email address. I signed off in June due to a long trip,
and really have missed LM_NET!--Mary Ann

-- 
*********************************************
"Try curiosity!"--Dorothy Parker
*********************************************
Dr. Mary Ann Bell
Associate Professor, Library Science
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX
drmaryannbell@gmail.com
lis_mah@shsu.edu

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