Onward and Upward Weblog

When I think of library 2.0, it reminds me of times in the past when major changes were happening in the library world, around 1980’s.  It was exciting and fun.  Library 2.0 is more then a major change, it is a major shift in the way we see ourselves as librarians and the way we assist users to find information and recreational resources.  I have the opportunity to apply for an elibrarian position.  It’s new, and the person who gets this job will put their stamp on it.  I really liked the points that Michael Stephens made about the new world of librarianship.  It bears repeating:

Librarian 2.0 plans for users:

• Librarian 2.0 bases all plans/proposals for services, materials, outreach on user needs and wants. 
• Librarian 2.0 asks what new technologies or new materials users need
• Librarian 2.0 proposes building projects and involves users in designing those places
• Librarian 2.0 does not create policies and procedures that impede users access to the library
• Librarian 2.0 tells users how resources and funds will be expended
• Librarian 2.0 makes decisions and plans available to be discussed in open forums with comments answered

Librarian 2.0 embraces Web 2.0 tools

Librarian 2.0 controls technolust

• Librarian 2.0 plans and intelligently uses technology
• Librarian 2.0 asks does the new technology meet the users need in a new or improved way?
• Librarian 2.0 asks does it create a useful service for putting users together with the information and experience they seek?

Librarian 2.0 makes good, yet fast decisions

• Librarian 2.0 knows that a perpetual beta works well for the library’s presence
• Librarian 2.0 rejects project timelines are too time laden
• Librarian 2.0 redesigns for ease of use
• Librarian 2.0 considers easily add/re-configured pieces
• Librarian 2.0 makes decisions through recent studies (like the Pew report), articles from professional and scholarly journals, and a synthesis on the topic from the biblioblogspere

Librarian 2.0 is a trendspotter

• seeks out info and news that may impact future service
• uses OCLC Pattern Recognition and User Perception reports and uses them in planning
• uses the Cluetrain Manifesto
• reads outside the profession for trends and impact of technology use in business

Librarian 2.0 gets content

• Librarian 2.0 knows that the future of libraries will be guided by how users access, consume, and create content
• Librarian 2.0 knows that content is a conversation as well and that the library should participate
• Librarian 2.0 will help users become their own programming directors for all the content available to them

Librarian 2.0  listens to staff and users when planning—-tells stories of success and failures, learns from them, allows staff time to play and learn, and never stops dreaming of how to make the best possible library.

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I have to say that Michael has made it alot easier for me to understand library 2.0.  Thank you.

It seems community online is thriving, and physically we’ve lost it.  Maybe this will help us get back on track.  It reminds me that I can’t go home by myself.  Only by taking others with me will I be able to leave this material world.