[Web4lib] Skills for Library 2.0 Leaders

Mon Apr 30 13:04:58 EDT 2007

I agree with David and Lisa on this one (in that I think we should evaluate all new technologies on their own merits).  I think we've let the Library 2.0/Web 2.0 phenomenon get a bit out of control.  Honestly, I think it's a fad that will pass sooner than later.  The biggest problem with it is that it means something different to everyone.  The result of that is that we glob every new technology under "Library 2.0"  5 or so years ago when virtual reference arose (whther it was IM or email-based), it was just virtual reference.  And that's what it still is, although there are new ways to accomplish it.  But now that we've got a whole slew of people proselytizing about Library 2.0 it's been placed under that useless umbrella term (just like everything else from what a librairan wears to whether or not a library has a blog).

I was at SXSW Interactive this past March and the whole tone of the conference (which is very web geek oriented...it's like geek summer camp), was that we need to abandon the term Web 2.0.  These were real hardcore web folks...they're starting to move past this.  Some panels even renamed their presentations and took out the term Web 2.0 because of the backlash against the term.  Maybe we'll catch up in 2 years.  Anyway, the one thing that stuck most was one gentleman, Jeremy Keith (adactio.com and clearleft.com), saying that we need to evaluate new technologies on their own terms, decide what purpose they really serve, and evaluate what use they satisfy.  He noted that much of what's out there (especially in terms of mash-ups) was just fluff.  I'd have to agree.

In my opinion, blogs, wikis, and RSS are a good starting point for the conversation in libraryland, but we need to move on.  Thinking that we'll make better libraries just because we have a blog, a wiki, or RSS feeds seems a bit ridiculous to me.  I don't see users clamoring for RSS feeds of library news...in fact, the vast majority of people don't even know what it is, much less how to use it.  The email newsletter will still reach more people than an RSS feed...it's not as sexy, but it is a fact.  Why are we focussing on something that will have such a small and limited impact?  Because it's Library 2.0!  It must be good then right?  When I look around at all the Library 2.0 applications, I have to wonder if we're serving our users, or ourselves?

As far as programming skills go, I think one needs to be able to get their hands dirty at a bare minimum.  I realize most libraries won't have a dedicated web/systems person (unless they're a focussed on the ILS), but a basic understanding of how all this stuff works can go a very long way. 

Respectfully,

Chad Hutchens 
E-Resources Librarian
Montana State University Bozeman 

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org on behalf of David Kemper
Sent: Mon 4/30/2007 10:11 AM
To: web4lib
Subject: Re: [Web4lib] Skills for Library 2.0 Leaders

I agree. We should let user needs, issues, concerns determine what
technologies we need to deploy. If the user encounters access
problems, we should examine those Web 2.0 technologies that would best
solve the problem. Wikis, rss, podcasting, IM and supporting web
technologies give us all more power but we should focus on how they
can truly benefit the users. First human, then technology. The other
way around and we'll likely face a revolt and taint Web 2.0's
potential.

David

Archivist, Web Services
IMF Archives

On 4/30/07, Pons, Lisa (ponslm) <PONSLM at ucmail.uc.edu> wrote:
> I agree wholeheartedly with Andrew's commenst. There are many
> technologies out there that can be deployed, but if you don't know how
> to turn patron needs into useful applications, it won't matter.
>
> I often hear staff saying "how can we use a wiki(or RSS, or
> podcasting)"...but this always seems backwards to me. We should think
> about how we can make our online services more useful, and then from
> there decide what technology would be best for that purpose.
>
> Lisa Pons-Haitz
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
> > [mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Hankinson
> > Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 11:02 AM
> > To: web4lib
> > Subject: Re: [Web4lib] Skills for Library 2.0 Leaders
> >
> > 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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