#15 On Library 2.0 & Web 2.0

Rick Anderson’s article on Away from the “icebergs” was the most interesting of the lot. Most of the articles were reminiscent of articles written by university professors who have to “publish or perish”. Mr. Anderson put forth 3 interesting ideas: The “just in case” collection (he does not like it), Reliance on user education (he doesn’t think we can do it), and The “come to us” model of library service (he appears to believe that if we build it they will not come).

I think we still need a large collection of hard copy books. None of the new technologies has the convenience of a book. A book is portable, easier to read than a computer or PDA screen, and cheaper than the new technologies I have seen. I don’t know what his library is doing wrong if there has been a 55% drop in circulation.

I think that libraries need to concentrate more on user education not less. Yes, the interfaces need to be improved, and accessing information needs to be easier, but most community library users still want to check out the latest Oprah book. The majority of the users don’t want to do extensive research. We need to make the effort to reach the few who do need to do research, but let us not let “the tail wag the dog”.

In my opinion the “come to us” model of library service is still very valid. The internet has its uses, but nothing beats going to a brick and mortar establishment (be it a store or a library) where you can touch the merchandise.

I found it odd that he mentioned the German term zeitgeist. In the field of education the teachers used a similar term English phrase “this year’s great idea”. We used it to describe the latest educational trends that were being pushed by the administration. They usually had no staying power, and appeared to be something that someone dreamed up to justify their administrative job. I am afraid that most (but not all) of Library 2.0 will be like the education trends. Temporary.