thing 15-library 2.0

For this exercise, I read the blogs of two information "guys". David Warlick is a teacher and speaker and educates teachers on how to use technology well in the classroom and educational settings. He said that he is most excited by "what we can shine the light (of technology) on, rather than the fact that technology is "the light". One of this fellow's true passions is programming computers, which is likens to completing a Lego project as a child. I have often felt that I'm Lego-disabled, so this is a very interesting way to look at the complexity of computer programming. David also references his blog called "2 cents worth" and podcasts that he does.

The other blog I reviewed was that of Rick Anderson and was entitled "Away from the Icebergs". Rick looked at three pitfalls that face the library profession and libraries themselves. He discussed there is no longer the need for the "just in case" collection. He said that because of technology, it is pointless for a librarian to try and determine what type of information consumers want, when it is largely available to them in a non-print format. He also disucssed the foolishness of relying on the level of the user's education in order to train users of library information. Because there are such excellent tools as "Blog This" on Flickr and the Google Page Creater, educating consumers verbally is less necessary. Lastly, he discussed the fact that "come to us" library service is no longer a viable mindset for the librarian. It is necessary for librarians to take service to patrons when technology is so available everywhere. Expecting patrons to walk into libraries, as in days past, in not an expectation librarians should have.

Both of these blogs were very interesting. I specifically liked Rick Andersons blog. Because I grew up in the public library of my hometown, but rarely frequent a library now, I see the dilema facing librarians today. Interesting to see how librarians are dealing with the changes technology brings.