Last month’s “March of Technology” event at The Library Center was a tremendous success! With our combined efforts, ICON stood out as a shining example of the highest ideals and truest purpose of users’ groups. For me personally though, the success was in seeing just how much we can accomplish when our efforts are focused on a common goal.

An event as large as the MoT tends to take on a life of its own, and we must not lose sight of the real purpose. It was not intended to be an end unto itself, but rather, the beginning of something much bigger and more far reaching...it kicked off ICON’S partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Library District.

Beginning with the spring issue (March, April, May) of Bookends (the library’s quarterly publication), ICON’s schedule of events is included as one of the many library services provided to patrons. The scope of our outreach into the community gained an immediate, exponential increase because of this. As we move forward, we will have more visitors than in the past, and we will provide computer help and support for more library patrons right alongside our own members.

How does this benefit me...you might ask? For starters, it means that we will always be able to schedule meeting room space. Being free from worry about that, we can better focus on providing the help and services you need. We will also have the opportunity to use the facilities more often, and plans are already under way to develop some new classes to address your needs.

Because of the increased exposure we receive as a result of providing programs for library patrons, we will have an opportunity to meet many new friends with a broader range of computer interests and skills than was previously possible. We will experience something of a snowball effect; as the scope of our outreach grows, so undoubtedly, will our membership, which in turn, will improve our ability to help one another.

One part of ICON’s stated purpose begins; “To promote a full discussion and exchange of ideas...” Nowhere in our constitution does it state that a few of us will do all the work, while the others reap the benefits. We need your help...and the excuse ”I don’t know enough” is lame!

In the coming months we will be looking for, and at, various ways to improve the value of the services ICON provides to you, our members. If you are willing to help, please tell Mary Phillips, Sarah Marshall or me. I promise we will not turn you down! There are many ways for you to contribute...no matter how little you know about computers.

ICON belongs to all of its members, not just a few. Please get involved in this process of continuous renewal and growth!

Thank you,
Terry