[Web4lib] Skills for Library 2.0 Leaders

[Andrew Hankinson]

Maybe it's just personal bias, but the singlemost important technical
skill I think a 'Web 2.0' person should have is an understanding of
usability, user interface design, information visualization and
'humane interfaces.'

Coding and technical skills are necessary, but technologies such as
Ruby-on-Rails or Django are coming along that lower that barrier,
making coding large, dynamic applications easier.

Web 2.0, in my mind, is about removing the technological barriers of
access to everyone participating on the web, not just the people who
know 'the languages.'  (Languages can include HTML and CSS, but also
unnatural constructs such as searching with Boolean operators.)

Until we make our catalogues, websites, databases and resources a
pleasure to use, it doesn't matter how technically brilliant they are
- people still won't use them.

Andrew

On 4/30/07, Greb, Jennifer <jgreb at tulsalibrary.org> wrote:
> Hi, All,
>
> I'm curious to know what you all (the experts) think are essential
> skills for librarians who might be coordinating "Library 2.0" technology
> in their libraries.  I think that the ability to present trainings,
> build teams, make plans, etc, are essential, but I'm especially
> interested in knowing about the technical skills needed.  Does one just
> need to know how to use RSS, wikis, blogs, and so on, and contract with
> vendors or others to make it work with the library website, or do you
> think such a staff person needs to know ColdFusion, PHP, and other very
> technical skills?
>
>
>
> On a secondary note, what job titles have you heard of that would
> describe such a position?  I've heard Internet Librarian, Virtual Branch
> Manager, and various others...
>
>
>
> Thanks so much!
>
>
>
> Jennifer
>
>
>
> Jennifer Greb, Coordinator
>
> Ruth G. Hardman Adult Literacy Service
>
> Tulsa City County Library
>
> 918.596.7958
>
> jgreb at tulsalibrary.org
>
>
>
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