#15 Web2.0 (Library(ian) 2.0 reflections)

Rick Anderson says: "No profession can survive if it throws its core principles and values overboard in response to every shift in the zeitgeist. However, it can be equally disastrous when a profession fails to acknowledge and adapt to radical, fundamental change in the marketplace it serves. At this point in time, our profession is far closer to the latter type of disaster than it is to the former. We need to shift direction, and we can’t wait for the big ship of our profession to change course first. It’s going to have to happen one library—one little boat—at a time."

I think this is a brilliant commentary on the importance of Web2.0 and the need to make intelligent, user-centric decisions which will help the library services grow in such a way which will allow users to have personally defined appropriate access to the services on offer. Taking this a step further, Michael Stephens states "“the Library is human” because it makes the library a social and emotionally engaging center for learning and experience. Librarian 2.0, then, is the “strategy guide” for helping users find information, gather knowledge and create content." What a great commentary on the flexibility and malleability of library services through time. As long as the library continues to listen to and keep in touch with the 'patron environment' and the living breathing organism which it is (its wants, desires and needs) then maintaining a legitimate service as technologies advance and demographics fluctuate can be first nature. It takes a whole team together to create such a service environment to fulfill the general needs (not every one, unfortunately, can have everything they want all of the time) of the public. Matching appropriate technology with services (such as paying for overdue fines, lost fees, etc online with a credit card instead of having to front up to the counter and admit to the $189 or so fines that have accrued because of an insolent teenager or rogue partner). we can never know why a patron gets all feisty on us, but making their lives easier, so in turn our work lives are less stressful and smoother (even happier!) because we are easing their minds. Sometimes, and it can be hard to admit, it is better for us to work a bit harder initially to have an outcome that will benefit every one and make life easier... a conundrum for some, even paradoxical, for those who cannot understand putting in a lot of work dealing with bureaucracy and time (which we never seem to have enough of) when we want to do something contrary because it seems more logical or easier on us, but playing 'their' game in the end will benefit every one.. or at least this outcome is the hope... ahh hopes and dreams. what else is there to hold onto when one's work environment is all in... what? disorder? chaos? these aren't such bad things really.. Tom Barrett (which one, I'm not sure- the politician, the doctor?) said “Chaos in the world brings uneasiness, but it also allows the opportunity for creativity and growth" which I do wholeheartedly believe.. and maybe this is because I'm a 7-- an eternal optimist... only good can come out of what goes on in the world-- eventually..

I'm probably off topic a wee bit (digressions are lovely, aren't they?) so I'll end this post here.

gracias!