Technology & Innovation
For another visualization of technological changes at UT Libraries, you can view this timeline of the shift from print to electronic resources at the libraries spanning Billings' tenure as director.
Beyond his support of large projects in advancing technology in the libraries, Billings also used technology to support individual projects. This is evident from a 1988 letter from project librarian George Cogswell expressing his appreciation of the purchase of a new Apple computer along with a photo of Cogswell at work on the new machine.
Billings also used technology to partner with other libraries across Texas through the TexShare program. This reciprocal borrowing and resource sharing program continues to connect user and resources in Texas.
In his writing, too, Billings proved himself to be a strong supporter at the forefront of bringing libraries into the 21st century. His book Magic & Hypersystems, published in 2002, uses historic examples and current trends to look toward the future of research libraries.
As libraries continue to grow and change with advancing technologies and user needs, we can look toward the example of innovative leadership that Billings provided through his advocacy for technology and many projects to implement it.
