Conversations from the Future

I'm in D.C but I've been spending a lot of time in the future. This afternoon was only the second time I've been out of the hotel. People, next time you attend ALA or a similar big library conference, do not complain about the number of concurrent sessions or the long days. There are about 900 attendees here at the World Future Society conference and about 900 concurrent sessions at any time--OK a small exaggeration--and the last session today ends at 10pm. There are about 20 sessions running between 8pm and 10pm.

But, interesting stuff and a most interesting assortment of people from a wide variety of sectors. I've met the Policy Director for the Quebec Liberal Party, a senior person in the state library of Maryland, the Director of HR at the Ocean County Library, NJ, many "futurologist" consultants who work with clients running the gamut from Coca-Cola to the Pentagon, and some who are characters you'd have a hard time inventing, like the cybersexologist with a Phd who's a pagan--not an odd thing in her family as her dad is a druid. And I am not even going to provide a link to her web site as you have to be over 18 to go in which means it would not be wise for me to forever link an OCLC blog with it. That would be a CLM as my sister would say...a career limiting move.

So, for the next few posts I am going to share some things that I've heard or read here.

Ten Innovative Products for the Next Decade.
1. Genetaceuticals --treatments combining genetic research and pharmaceuticals.
2. Personalized computers --customized hardware and software
3. Multi-fuel automobliles -- combining electricity, natural gas and gasoline--and
maybe animal fats.
4. Next-generation TV -- high-definition, wall-sized flat screens.
5. Electronic wallet -- a smart card to replace cash, keys, driver's license, medical records and so on.
6. Home health monitors -- automated analysis of your vital systems.
7. Smart maps and tracking devices -- for finding lost kids, pets or a new restaurant.
8. Smart materials -- sensors detect stress in bridges and buildings.
9. Weight control and anti-aging products -- ranging from genetic cures for baldness to nutritionally enhanced fruits and veggies.
10. Never-owned, leased-only products -- computers, refrigerators and other appliances that become obsolete quickly.