The selection of readings from OCLC were indeed thought provoking, and gives us much to think about Library 2.0, the philosophies about involving the user in the design and implementation of services (and content). The idea of the need to embrace constant change as a development cycle was also intriguing. All in all, the ideas as a group were almost overwhelming because they do make sense. However, are all of our patrons ready to be involved in this way? The ideas of the digital divide came into mind...
However, I wanted to comment on several of the articles and list the things that I personally want to ponder and come back to. The entire concept of delivering library service is changing, and the point is that we HAVE to change as well.
Squirrel's Points to Ponder (quoting from the readings):
1. In Web 2.0, the Web becomes the center of a new digital lifestyle.
2. This new digital lifestyle changes our culture and touches every aspect of our lives.
3. The web becomes a shared network space that touches every facet of our lives-work, research, education, entertainment, social activites-and we are always connected through mobile and nonmobile devices-always online, and connected to one another.
4. Many of our "sacred cows" of librarianship are considered "icebergs" and pose significant threats to a library's future success. (Rick Anderson in "Away from Icebergs". The "just in case" collection-making sure we have books, etc., in case someone might need/want them, made sense when information was only available in print formats. It no longer makes sense to "collect" in the traditional sense. (I can feel big discussions going on in Materials Management-we have realized this for a long time.) As we move into Web 2.0, our patrons expect access to everything-digital collections, blogs, podcasts, etc. Anderson also discussed the fact that libraries are poorly equipped and staffed for teaching. We need to focus our efforts NOT on teaching research, but on eliminating barriers that exist between patrons and the information that they need. One point that struck home: "If our services can't be used without training, then it's the services that need to be fixed-not our patrons. Anderson closed his article by discussing the model of libraries in the post-print era. We no longer have the monopoly on information, and we need to find new ways to bring our services to patrons rather than insisting that they come to us. This may mean placing library services and content in the user's preferred environment, or integrating our services into our patrons daily lives. The bottom line-it can be disasterous when we fail to acknowledge and adapt to radical, fundamental change in the marketplace.
I also appreciated many comments from Michael Stephens in "Into a New World of Librarianship". Below are some of his points that I will ponder:
1. 2.0 Librarians base and plan all services, materials, and outreach on user needs and wants. (This does not seem too radical to me!) What IS radical is that 2.0 libraries involve users from the get go in planning services based on their needs. We ASK users what they want, and provide it. The 2.0 librarian does not create policies and procedures that impede user's access to the library. Decisions and plans are discussed in open forums-the entire process is transparent.
2. The 2.0 Librarian embraces Web 2.0 tools, and looks for ways to create new services in a spirit of collaboration.
3. The 2.0 Librarian avoids "technolust". In other words, the librarian does not purchase technology just because it is cool, or just to have it in the library. New technologies are not implemented for the sake of status. The question must be asked: Does it (technology) meet the users' needs in a new or improved way? Does it create a useful service for putting users together with the information and experience they seek? This point it REALLY valuable as HCPL plans for new technology advances, databases, web services, etc. etc. We need to ask: Why are we doing this? How will it meet users needs, and improve how they use the library?
4. Another really good point is the second to the last. Librarian 2.0 makes good and fast decisions. This librarian recognizes how quickly the world and library users change with advancing technology. Project timelines that stretch on for months do not work in Library 2.0 thinking. We should be in "perpetual beta". The librarian is responsive and redesigns for ease of use, user involvement, and easily added/re-configured pieces.
5. Librarian 2.0 is a trendspotter. He/she seeks out information and news that may impact services. The librarian reads outside the profession (this was one of the things mentioned in our Innovation Process/Strategic Planning) and watches for the impact of technology on users and new ways of thinking.
6. Librarian 2.0 understands that the future of libraries will be guided by how users access, consume, and create content. Content is a conversation as well, and librarians should participate.
In closing, Stephens says that 2.0 Librarians listen to staff and users when planning, learns from successes and failures, celebrates successes, allows staff to learn and play, and never stops dreaming about the best library services possible.
I was faily overwhelmed by the article by Dr. Wendy Schultz called "To a Temporary Place in Time". The concepts of Library 3.0-Web 3.0 to Library 3D, and Library 4.0, the Neo-Library Experience, were extremely futuristic, and made me sort of wonder if I would even like this kind of library. I will probably be retired by the time that this "neo-library" comes about!
Seriously, though, these three articles (my favorites of the bunch) have lots of application for HCPL. We just need time to think about it.
No comments:
Post a Comment