Seeing isn't believing. Not anymore.

I started thinking about this when I saw a video clip from the first moon walk. I have to say, it looked a little cheesy -- about on a par with the special effects of Star Trek (and I mean the original series).

Not long after that, I watched a rerun of "Terminator 2," the science fiction movie blockbuster. I saw a man walk through steel bars, just ooze right through them, and recongeal on the other side. I believed it.

Over the past year or so, many librarians have been exploring a new technology. That technology is the World Wide Web.

Let me say at the outset that the Web won't solve everything. But, for some kinds of library tasks, it has potential.

The Web also addresses several identifiable trends among our library patrons. More people have home computers and modems. More people are looking for ways to conduct their business and do their research from home. More people are working odd hours.

Over the next several months, the library will be working on its long range plan. Our planning period is 5 years; a span that will sweep the library into the 21st century.

So far, our long range planning process has involved three basic approaches.

I freely admit it. There are lots of things going on at the library that I don't know anything about. Mostly, I'm ok with that.

I finally figured out that it's impossible for one person to keep track of all the activities of 100 others -- especially when they're as creative as our staff. It's more important that the environment is lively than that I know all about it ahead of time.

Besides, I like surprises. (Usually.)