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Who and How to Follow
In the last chapter, we discussed some examples of rapid technology change, evolving technology and job duties in libraries, consumer technology innovation cycles, and the way changes in consumer technology affect libraries. In this chapter, we explore the concept of trend watching and different types of trend watchers. We look at trend watchers in the library and the non-library technology industries. We look at some tools and techniques for following trend watchers. Finally, I discuss how important it is to pay attention to trends in your local community and share some ideas for how to do that.
What Is a Trend Watcher?
Before we start looking at specific trend watchers and what types of information they share, let's first define what is meant by a trend watcher. There are two types of trend watchers: organizations and individuals. Individual trend watchers can be grouped into two loose categories: what I call reporters and explorers.
Organizational trend watchers include research organizations, think tanks, and government and nonprofit agencies that scan trends or industries. In fact, one trend-watching organization is named TrendWatching. TrendWatching focuses on global consumer trend watching.
Similar organizations include the Pew Research Center and its wide-ranging research on Americans, including research on technology and libraries, and Edison Research, which focuses on media trends and election polling among other things. Each of these organizations actively looks for, reports on, and researches a variety of trends.
Individual trend watchers are just that-individuals. They don't necessarily represent a business or organization. If they are associated with a business, it's usually in a consulting or research capacity. Many of them are simply people who are interested in a topic and like to share. These individuals can often be further divided into what I call reporters and explorers.
Reporters regularly read and report on news and information about topics that interest them. They might also discuss new technology or tools, adding their own ideas to a debate. They might supply a tutorial on a new service or tool because they are interested in it. Reporters usually accomplish these tasks through a blog or a social media tool like Twitter or Facebook.
Explorers are on the front lines, creating trends. They build new tools and...