Thing #15: Library 2.0 Perspectives

“Away from Icebergs” author Rick Anderson makes some valid points. Yes, some Librarians cling too tightly to traditional methods, but I don’t agree the thinking is entirely faulty. After all, technology is really just a tool to act on the same traditional philosophies.

Yes, database interfaces are confusing. They are dissimilar. They require a masters degree to operate. This has to change. We must demand more from vendors. We must set metadata standards. We must allow for interoperability between library systems, online collections, and the rest of the web. This goes beyond the field of Librarianship. However, I believe we can be teachers. So many people are computer illiterate. They don’t know how to use basic programs like Word and Excel (much to their detriment). We can provide that training. Why should our instruction be limited to the use of library specific resources?

The “come to us” model should not be disregarded but it is only half the job. We must take our services outside the physical library, however, we can afford those high tech gadgets/services that will draw people to us. For example, gamers are flocking to libraries to play console games on projectors and flat screen TVs against varying opponents. Where else are they going to get that for free? Why not use that to draw people in? Why not have kick butt work stations, decked out with scanners, color printers, iTunes, lots of USB ports, multiple monitors, touch screen technology (lets get ahead of the curve when this hits). Sure, it’s expensive. But it’s a big draw and how else will the average patron aquire it? Allocate some of that print resource money to technology, keep your staff trained and get the tech support. But that’s just my opinion on bringing libraries into 3.0.

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Chip Nigles reiterates some well-know methods of intergrating Web 2.0 techniques and applications with library services in his essay “To More Powerful Ways to Cooperate.” Based off O’Rielly’s fundamental principles of 2.0, many of Nigles idea have already been implemented by libraries like Hennepin County and the Ann Arbor District Public Library. Allowing users to comment, edit, add, etc. is the fundamental principle of 2.0. The usefulness of this thinking is clear. How often have patrons complained about the disconnect between library subject headings versus vernacular? Nothing really to argue against here. If anything, Libraries need to get on board, and quickly!

7 and 1/2 Habits of Highly Effective Lifelong Learners

Habit 1: Begin with the end in mind.
Habit 2: Accept responsibility for your own learning.
Habit 3: View problems as challenges.
Habit 4: Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner.
Habit 5: Create your own learning toolbox.
Habit 6: Use technology to your advantage.
Habit 7: Teach/Mentor others.
Habit 7.5: Play!

Without a doubt, the easiest of these habits is the last – play! I enjoy making everything a game. I thrive on competition. The hardest is the fourth habit – view problems as challenges. It is often easy to slip into a negative mindset when confronted with obstacles.  The other habits are fairly routine for me. I’m comfortable using technology, I have an abundance (perhaps an overabundance) of confidence in my skills, and I usually have the prize in mind from the get go.