Thing 16 -- Library 2.0 perspectives

I read "Away from Icebergs," whose 3 pitfalls to avoid were right on, I thought. First, most libraries need to move away from the "just in case" collection; we will have even greater specialization (as we do now in the global economy) where a few libraries are archival and the rest are more "just in time" libraries. Second, we can't rely on educating the user. This one is also spot on, but difficult for those of us who are school librarians to give up on. I find it hard to give up the control feeling that I will be the one to impart all library and tech knowledge, yet every time I do manage to give it up, it is more rewarding and more effective. The students teach themselves, each other and me, and there is true learning going on. I am trying to encourage my teachers to give up the same element of control -- tough in an elementary school. Third, the users won't always come to us. Again, it's tough to let this one go; I keep them coming to the library sites even at home by ensuring they can get to my portal of sites. I also know they won't, so I have as many conversations as possible about evaluation and internet safety. I should think about how this works with print sources too, not just technology. How to help them to navigate the whole world of information and explore it as their own guides.

I also read "Into a New World of Librarianship," which really got me going. I really liked his thoughts about controlling technolust (purchasing for the sake of gadgetry, which can be a challenge) and making quick decisions yet good ones (really tough for me to act quickly). And of course, how much the 2.0 librarian will be creating a lot of useful tools on his or her own in the library. Daunting but in an exciting way!