Thing 2: Library 2.0

Blyberg blog entry
A couple of musings...Blyberg comments that Library 2.0 is partially a response to a post-Google world that "the frantic search to find our niche is only beginning." This suggests that libraries are reactive rather than proactive. It seems to me the challenge is to react more quickly to technological change, being quick to see the possibilities new developments present and positioning ourselves to utilize these developments to our (and thus our users') advantage. Blyberg suggests there will have to be organizational changes to accomplish this. I'd say at least realignment of responsibilities and acquisition of new skill sets. And, with every opening, re-evaluation of position requirements. Blyberg's entry was posted two years ago. Since then there's been a lot of buzz about open source vs. traditional ILS systems. Perhaps the move to open source is one way libraries can provide some of the user driven content the library 2.0 community feels is essential.

Anderson's "Icebergs"
"Just in case" collections, reliance on user education, and the "come to us" model of service pose real challenges to everyone. In our library we've been talking about which aspects of IL are responsibilities of librarians and which are responsibilities of faculty in a discipline. We've taken baby steps in enabling students access information when and where they want. We still buy print materials and warehouse them, but I think every purchase is seriously evaluated. No easy answers, but we need to examine our practices to see if they are indeed "remnants of a bygone information era." I just find it so hard to know for sure. Maybe if I'm wondering, it is indeed out of date?? So how to keep up?