Exercise #15 - Library 2.0

Where will the next generation Web take libraries?

By Tom Storey

"Remember when it was cool to surf the Web? Log on, type a few words, view a few pages, log off. As the latest technology tool, search was exhilarating, informative—and dramatically changed the way people looked for information. Just ask librarians! A record 6 billion searches were conducted on search engines in January 2006.

In Web 2.0, the Web becomes the center of a new digital lifestyle that changes our culture and touches every aspect of our lives. The Web moves from simply being sites and search engines to a shared network space that drives work, research, education, entertainment and social activities—essentially everything people do. You and your mobile and nonmobile devices—PDA, MP3, laptop, cell phone, camera, PC, TV, etc.—are always online, connected to one another and to the Web."

Away from the "icebergs" by Rick Anderson

"In particular, there are three “icebergs” that I believe pose significant threats to our future success. All are remnants of a bygone information age, practices and attitudes that no longer make sense but which we have difficulty letting go."

Ok, ok I'm a still in there with the "icebergs"and I'm not ready to let go. Not completely opposed, just not ready to let go. Learning these "new technologies" is helping. And Tom Storeys' comments, wow. If we ever lose power and the web will the world implode as people shut down because they're no longer connected to one another? I think building book collections is still important. These days most books publish once and once they are sold they don't get published again. So if libraries don't purchase they miss the boat and if no library purchases the title, good luck with inter-library loan. The words of Bob Dylans' song "The Times They Are A-Changin" come to mind, "Then you better start swimmin', Or you'll sink like a stone, For the times they are a-changin'." So I guess I better start swimmin'. Thanks PLAN for throwing me in the pool. :-)