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A survey of Sunshine Coast library users indicates that there is a high level of interest in ebooks and e-audiobooks and also that there is strong demand for technologies such as the iPhone, iPad and Amazon's Kindle. These local trends, mirrored internationally, present public libraries with a challenge to dramatically improve their virtual offerings, or lose relevance in this emerging high growth area. They also have a responsibility to play a leadership educational role in informing their communities about e-readers, content and associated trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging technologies provide librarians with a unique opportunity to substantially enhance user centred services and to facilitate and promote collaboration between libraries and their users. This paper explores the range of free and inexpensive technologies that have been implemented with practical and immediate benefits for library staff and users. Examples of integrating technologies include blogs, wikis, RSS aggregators, podcasts, vodcasts, web conferencing, and instant messaging. Also reported is the take up of these technologies by public libraries nationally and internationally. Australian public library use and promotion of these services is examined. A case study around the Queensland Opal Training Project Emerging Technology course examines library staff buy in and involvement in the development of new series, and explores the difference emerging technologies can make to users. Edited version of a paper presented at the Alia conference Perth WA September 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]