Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and the Future of Libraries

I decided to break this post up into four different sections, the first three addressing articles I read and the final one discussing my own particular opinions on the subject of the future of technology in libraries.

Away From Icebergs
by Rick Anderson

I don't mind saying it: this article pissed me off, and I'll be glad to explain why. Number one, the whole tone struck me as fairly arrogant...as though this man somehow has his finger on the pulse of libraries all across the nation and what the needs are of librarians and patrons. Statements like, "Our patrons have no such qualms, of course, as the emergence of Web 2.0 demonstrates" are broad generalizations about what patrons are comfortable with, and frankly, I don't agree that patrons ARE so agreeable to web technology. But aside from the overriding tone of "The All-Knowing Library Technology Expert," I had a few more specific issues that got under my skin.

The first "iceberg" that Anderson describes as being a problem for libraries as we move into the future is that "it no longer makes sense to collect information products as if they were hard to get." I read this paragraph once, and then I read it again because I really was certain that this gentleman was suggesting that it would be wise to completely digitize libraries and do away with physical collections completely. But after my reread, it seemed to me that that's what he was trying to argue. ...is he serious? Do away with physical collections completely? It's absolutely insane. It's so insane, it makes me want to rant and jump up and down and wave my arms and yell a lot (possibly throwing in some nonsensical angry noises in there as well).

Has anyone ever tried to read an eBook straight off of your computer? I did. I got through 20 pages and had to quit because I couldn't stand to look at the screen that long. My eyes hurt, it was hard to follow along, and not only that, when I want to read, the last place I want to be is parked in front of a computer. I want to take my book outside and sit under a tree where I can feel the breeze and the sun on my legs. I spend enough time indoors with a keyboard at my fingertips. The last thing I want is to take the one activity that I can do anywhere - reading - and let it chain me to the computer for one more minute than I have to be already. I'm certain I'm not the only person who feels this way. Above and beyond the aesthetic reasons for preferring physical books to electronic books or resources, Mr. Anderson seems to function under the misconception that everyone loves technology! They might not understand it, but if we could just get them to learn how it works, they would fall in love! This is a load of hogwash. I have to wonder when the last time was that he worked the desk in a public library and fielded questions from real patrons running the gamut from young to old, rich to poor, underprivileged to college-educated. Some people simply don't like technology. And I don't blame them. Sometimes I hate it myself. The day libraries go completely digital is the day I stop using them. Technology and progress is fantastic, but how long have books been around? Nothing is better than the feel of a thick book in your hands and the smell of the pages. Getting rid of physical collections is taking the soul out of reading. I'm all for progress, but the thing Mr. Anderson seems to forget is that there's something to be said for tradition as well. We shouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater. It's certainly not good to alienate technologically-savvy patrons by eschewing all computer-based reference service, but we have a responsibility to provide for those who like their information the old-fashioned way as well.

Into a New World of Librarianship
by Michael Stephens

Now this is the type of approach I like to see when it comes to integrating technology into libraries and introducing it to patrons. Stephens offers reasonable and, more than that, human response to using technology to make information more readily available to patrons. His suggestions don't give you the cold, impersonal feeling of everyone clicking away at home to a glowing monitor, finding the information they want. Rather, he talks about using technology as a tool rather than a solution to some supposed problem with the libraries today.

Particularly noteworthy in his article was his mention that librarians should not have technolust and purchase every online resource available but that she should recognize the needs of the community and its patrons and buy software accordingly, staying ahead of the curve and knowing what things might be useful for their particular library.

Another thing I really appreciate about this article is how Stephens doesn't focus simply on the pursuit of information but also the community aspect of Web 2.0. He encourages librarians to establish online communities of patrons where they can discuss, blog, interact, and generally be involved in their library experience rather than just being a button-pusher who selects what they want and waits for the information to pop out of the machine.

To A Temporary Place In Time...
by Wendy Schultz

One thing: I still do not get why libraries getting involved in Second Life is such an all-fire good idea. Someone please explain.

Schultz had me in the beginning of this one, talking about libraries as not being IN communities but being the communities themselves. I dig the idea of libraries being centers where people enjoy going, the same way we like sitting in the big leather chairs at Borders and Barnes & Noble with our grande mocha lattes while quiet music plays in the background. No offense to libraries, but I'd rather hang out there than at a public library because the atmosphere is nicer. So I agreed with her there...up until the point where she started talking about collecting librarian avatars and her foray into the future...

I feel like an old fogie, but...why does technology have to infiltrate everything? I'm of the generation of the personal computers - the first home computers were starting to come out right when I was born, and I've always had a home computer since I was a tiny little kid. But I know when enough is enough and when it's good to embrace things away from the screen.

Maybe I'm feeling grumpy about technology today, but that's my two cents.