Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Library 2.0- What It Means To Me

In "Library 2.0- It’s many things to many people", I really enjoyed reading what others' concept of Library 2.0 is.

And what does Library 2.0 mean to me? Well, I'm really glad you asked. I get so tired of the negativity that some librarians express when asked to learn or use 2.0 technologies. It's depressing in general and discouraging to those of us that are starting out in this profession. In what other career area is it acceptable for members of the profession to eschew change and growth in their work environment, or to explicitly state that they refuse to learn the technological aspects of their jobs? Hello, unemployment line.

But then I have hope, because of efforts like the Vermont's 23 Things and the nationwide participation of libraries/librarians in the 23 Things project. I think the best thing about this endeavor is that even if you don't (or won't) use these 2.0 skills on the job at library, you will understand the concepts and see how 2.0 tools support learning and/or information seeking.

My hope is that those librarians who deep down are still clinging to the icebergs, will lend their support to those of us who want to be Librarian 2.0. Because both sides of the 2.0 debate love libraries and are hopeful for it's viable future.

And I believe both sides can be hopeful if we contemplate Dr. Wendy Schultz's vision of the Library 4.0, as our evolution continues.

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