Week 6, #15 - Library 2.0

Rick Anderson's article, "Away from the Icebergs" aptly summarizes many of the issues facing libraries today. I am not convinced that every library is experiencing the declines in circulation that are occurring in his library, but there is no doubt that libraries are changing, and must adapt. Harris County's circulation still constitutes a major part of our business, but I do agree that it is reasonable and necessary for the make-up of the collection to change in response to the internet resources available today. I think, however, that we must remember that many people are not comfortable with technology and still want books. We must also remember what happens when the computers fail, as they inevitably will do. Mr. Anderson makes a valid point when he states that we rely too much on user education. Making databases and websites simple and intuitive should be the goal, making training unnecessary in most cases. This will become less of an issue as our society becomes more computer literate.

Dr. Wendy Schultz expresses her vision of libraries, past, present, and future in "To a Temporary Place in Time...." She expounds upon all the technological innovations and advances that have occurred or could occur in the future, but surprisingly comes back to a vision very similar to the traditional library of the past. I believe that it is important and even necessary to keep up with technology, but with all the emphasis on the future, we cannot forget that the library has an important place in the community. It is up to us to find a way to remain relevant and vital in our communities. Library 2.0 is an attempt to keep the best parts of the traditional library system, but to also move into the future and embrace it.