Librarian 2.0—Now! (That’s you)
by Mary Lane
What are the responsibilities of a librarian 2.0?
Leaders in the information field are still weeding out the bad and embracing the good. Their voices echo excitement and concern. Some questions information professionals are asking merit some consideration. Should we be using RSS feeds? Do podcasts demand the attention the hype suggests? What about RFID? I feel uncomfortable about e-books. How can we leverage web 2.0 to better reach user’s goals? Digital rights management cannot be ignored. It is easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of debate over what should and shouldn’t be happening regarding recent technologies. It is important to remind onself that these issues are library (read: community) specific and, like other library issues, one must thoroughly weigh advantages, disadvantages, ethics, and user demands. Some professionals, (e.g. E.Soundararajan) suggest understanding the Librarian 2.0 concept forces transformation into “Knowledge Professionals”. Their theoretical model looks like:
Stephen Abram offers an excellent list of how this model might translate into praxis:
Librarian 2.0 is the guru of the information age. Librarian 2.0 strives to
• Understand the power of the Web 2.0 opportunities
• Learn the major tools of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0
• Combine e-resources and print formats and is container and format agnostic
• Is device independent and uses and delivers to everything from laptops to PDAs to iPods
• Develop targeted federated search and adopts the OpenURL standard
• Connect people and technology and information in context
• Doesn’t shy away from non-traditional cataloging and classification and chooses tagging, tag clouds, folksonomies, and user-driven content descriptions and classifications where appropriate
• Embrace non-textual information and the power of pictures, moving images, sight, and sound
• Understand the “long tail” and leverages the power of old and new content
• See the potential in using content sources like the Open Content Alliance, Google Print, and Open WorldCat
• Connect users to expert discussions, conversations, and communities of practice and participates there as well
• Use the latest tools of communication (such as Skype) to connect content, expertise, information coaching, and people
• Use and develops advanced social networks to enterprise advantage
• Connect with everyone using their communication mode of choice – telephone, Skype, IM, SMS, texting, email, virtual reference, etc.
• Encourage user driven metadata and user developed content and commentary
• Understand the wisdom of crowds and the emerging roles and impacts of the blogosphere, Web syndicasphere and wikisphere
How will these responsibilities affect individuals entering the profession?
Librarians in the new millennium must assimilate rapidly changing technologies and apply them to the central purpose of ensuring that patrons get their desired information. As Woody Evans states "Library 2.0... demands...that we guide patrons because [librarians] are experts rather than gatekeepers."(Evans 84) In the larger context of social networking, librarians must learn and use electronic social networking schemas to become user advocates. It is important to note that people are gathering in many different ways, not just in physical buildings and on the streets. The emergence of electronic "gathering places" has created a "multi-dimensional personality", with which librarians must interact. To meet patrons needs, librarians should learn to connect with the multiple "dimensions" of users, by using multiple means of communication.
It is therefore the responsibility of all librarians to learn and use online social networking to connect with patrons. As Stephen Abrams notes, a 2.0 Librarian should connect people with technology and information in context. (Abram 81) Much of the new Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 paradigms revolve around different forms of human communication via the Web. "Web 2.0 is ultimately a social phenomenon". (Abram 78) Most social networking technology is Web 2.0 centric. Abrams avers that Really Simple Syndication, Wikis, Ajax mashups, blogs, podcasting, and other new technologies are all part of the Web 2.0 paradigm. (Abrams 77)
Also patrons (i.e. users) can interact with and change content themselves, as opposed being presented with it. An example of users interacting with content is the use of folksonomies. Folksonomies, a component of the Web 2.0 paradigm, utilize the concept of collaborative tagging, which lets a community decide on the keywords associated with content. [Notess 42] This concept is extended to include tag clouds. "Tag clouds display the tags with an emphasis on the most popular ones" [Notess 42].
Questions:
1) What do you feel is most and least critical from Abram’s list of what a Librarian 2.0 should strive toward?
2) Do you see Librarian 2.0 mentors in your community?
3) Are you ready to become a Librarian 2.0?
E.Soundararajan, C. J. a. M. S. (2007). Role of library and information professionals in the knowledge environment. Information Science & Technology
Evans, W. "What Drives You?”. Library Journal (1976) v. 132 no. 20 (December 2007) p. 84
Notess, G. R. The Terrible Twos: Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and More. Online (Weston, Conn.) v. 30 no. 3 (May/June 2006) p. 40-2
Seiss, J., & Lorig, J. (2007). Out Front With Stephen Abram: A Guide for Information Leaders. American Library Association.
19 comments:
1) What do you feel is most and least critical from Abram’s list of what a Librarian 2.0 should strive toward?
I can't say that I see any of it as being the "least important". I think that all of the items you mentioned can only be a step in the right direction and would be good for all librarians to be actively knowledgeable about.
2) Do you see Librarian 2.0 mentors in your community?
I had not realized it before, but I worked with a librarian last semester on a project who was very active in mentoring me this way. I think it was a very positive experience as I had not been exposed to some of the mediums she utilized. It helped me a great deal.
3) Are you ready to become a Librarian 2.0?
The short answer is yes. I think by the time I finish the LIS program I will have a sufficient foundation.
1) What do you feel is most and least critical from Abram’s list of what a Librarian 2.0 should strive toward?
I think the idea of a Librarian 2.0 is more about understanding and being willing to adapt and change with technology than it is about any one or two items from a list. (For example, understanding the larger idea of instant messenger and how libraries can use it is more important than specific platforms or even software that brings together many platforms.) With that said, I think learning the major tools of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0, being format agnostic, and combining print and electronic resources would likely put any librarian well on his or her way to being a Librarian 2.0.
2) Do you see Librarian 2.0 mentors in your community?
I bet my 6080 instructor would be a great Librarian 2.0 mentor. She's big on open-source software and integrating all sorts of technology into the library realm.
3) Are you ready to become a Librarian 2.0?
I'm certainly ready to learn to become a Librarian 2.0. I have some catching up to do as far as specific programs go, but I'm open to exploring how they can be used in libraries and wouldn't hesitate to implement them if they'll make patrons' lives easier and make sense from a resource-use standpoint.
Librarians should be ready to grow with the technology changes in the library. The main aim of the library is to reach information to people in any community. So all the points Abrams listed are relevant especially the one which says; understand the crowds and the emerging roles and impacts of the blogosphere, web syndicasphere and wikisphere. these faccilities are all meant to ease communication in the library between the librarian and patrons. So if the crowd doesn't respond to this, the is no point using it.
There are Librarian 2.0 in my community as i have seen some of these new web faccilities used in libraries where i have been attended to as a patron. I watched the librarian and thought this was interesting.
I most certainly am prepared to be a Librarian 2.0 as you don't have to go around trying to assist to many people in the libraryat your desk. you can assist them at home at leisure time. Also alot of patrons express themselves better in writing, thus their ideas flow and the librarians can learn from them too.
1) I have to agree with Tara that it is difficult to label anything here as "least important." However, I think that the most important item on the list is meeting users where they are by learning to use the communication modes/devices they prefer. For my part, I'm intimidated by the "reference interview" and if I could do this on AIM, I'd be a lot more comfortable and a lot more likely to ask questions.
2.) I definitely experienced Librarian 2.0 mentorship at the University of Michigan when I was a student there. They used AIM for online reference interviews and showed a great deal of interest in keeping up with students' technology. I think that the message this sends goes much deeper than convenience. Going to the library at UM didn't feel like walking onto someone else's turf, nor did the librarians seem like "guards" or "gatekeepers." I felt that, as a user, I should be just as comfortable in the library as the librarians.
3) I feel that I am ready to become a Librarian 2.0. I have an advantage in that I am technically "NextGen" and I have grown up with much of this technology. Also, as I mentioned in my answer to question #2, I know that it makes a huge difference to patrons to know that we are willing to meet their needs and essentially accept their preferences and limitations.
1) What do you feel is most and least critical from Abram’s list of what a Librarian 2.0 should strive toward?
I think the most important aspect is to reach the members of a community in and get them in the door to use our services. It would be great to have an active blog on your site. However, if you are not offering library cards, allowing people to check accounts, marketing your programs and facilities, and encouraging people to check out books, movies, games, and software, then you are doing something wrong. So, in my opinion, understanding the power of tools of Web 2.0 is the most critical aspect. Once you understand the basics, you can continue to learn and grow with the technologies.
2) Do you see Librarian 2.0 mentors in your community? I have not seen mentors in my neighborhood, but I have never worked in a library setting. The Web 2.0 technology is very new to the libraries in my area. Okay, let me amend that sentence. I just hopped around on other local library sites and found that CMPL.org has a blog and feeds for new media arrivals and other interesting library lists. Sterling Heights Library also has various feeds. Thus, it is possible for me to find mentors in my community if I choose to look.
3) Are you ready to become a Librarian 2.0? No, but I will be ready in a couple of years. I plan to continuously learn about the technologies and how to use them creatively in my field.
What do you feel is most and least critical from Abram’s list of what a Librarian 2.0 should strive toward?
The two items that are most crtitical are:
1.Learn the major tools of Web 2.o and Library 2.0. This is the most important because it is apparent that at some point we will need to know how to utilize these tools in order to complete are job effectively in a manner our patron will understand by the venue of thier choice be it IM, chat, or live. Versatility is the key to job security for the "New Librarians".
2. Connect users to expert discussions, conversations, and communities of practice and participates there as well.
This is important because as the web grows so does erroneous information. The librarian needs to be able to discern what is authoritive and what is not and direct patrons toward the good resources.
The two things that were least critical were:
1. Understand the wisdom of crowds and the emerging roles and impacts of the blogosphere, Web syndicasphere and wikisphere. I would be hesitant to direct a patron to a wiki or blog because anyone can edit or change and it may be difficult to verify references and determine if this resource is authoritive or not. Anyone can pretend to be an aouthority on a wiki, how can you validate whether the information is good and truthful.
2. See the potential in using content sources like the Open Content Alliance, Google Print, and Open WorldCat. While these sources can be beneficial I don't think it is wise to limit yourself to such. If I am working at a library in Michigan, I think it would be best to utilize Mel first. There is a wealth of information there and it is auhtoritive.
2) Do you see Librarian 2.0 mentors in your community?
If there are library 2.0 mentors out there, they are well hidden or very quiet. How do you know if someone is a Librarian 2.0 mentor?
1) What do you feel is most and least critical from Abram’s list of what a Librarian 2.0 should strive toward?
All of the listed suggestions are great advice; however I feel that it all needs to be done as a process. If a library changed the way they do everything in a short time, it could be very overwhelming and uncomfortable for many patrons and staff. Providing time to adapt to the changes and education as “new technologies” are implemented will help all involved with the technology transition.
2) Do you see Librarian 2.0 mentors in your community?
The librarian that I currently work with is always up to date on what is happening in the “library world”. He received his masters in information science several years ago and added a masters of library science around 5 years ago. He is an avid reader of blogs, School Library Journal and other library resources which aid in any changes that occur in the library.
My only concern with this being my first library experience is that I am being spoiled here and need to realize that not all libraries use technology to its fullest extent for many reasons. I will be able to take what I have learned here to help other libraries become relevant in today’s society.
3) Are you ready to become a Librarian 2.0?
Nope. Not yet that is – there is still so much for me to learn but I do have the desire to become a Librarian 2.0. After some more classes and experience, I will take it on full force.
1) What do you feel is most and least critical from Abram’s list of what a Librarian 2.0 should strive toward?
I agree with Jessica M., who feels that Librarian 2.0 is about being open and ready to adapt to new technologies. A Librarian needs to
stay up to date on new technologies in order to do her job effectively. In the future, this is only going to become more crucial.
2) Do you see Librarian 2.0 mentors in your community?
The library that I work at is not the most technologically savvy, and I can't think of any Librarian 2.0 mentors that have helped me personally. However, my home library is a great example of a Web 2.0 library:
http://www.aadl.org/services/usingwebsite
Unfortunately, I do not have time to explore all the features on the website, but it is pretty neat to know that they are there.
3) Are you ready to become a Librarian 2.0?
Not yet, but I really hope to be ready by the time that I graduate. One of the things that I hoped for when I enrolled in the LIS program here was that I would learn more about technology relating to the information profession. I am pleased to say that this coming true.
1) What do you feel is most and least critical from Abram’s list of what a Librarian 2.0 should strive toward?
Most: Making the content accessible to people with all types of web devices.
Least: Allowing users to create tags for material. This could go very badly. Let the cataloger decide what is appropriate.
2) Do you see Librarian 2.0 mentors in your community?
MSU uses Encore...
3) Are you ready to become a Librarian 2.0?
I always like to learn new things. I'm open to making the library more relevant to modern users.
I am ready to become a librarian 2.0. I feel I have a way to go but am excited about the means to get there. I am the same as Tara on the list. I think that the items are in the right direction.
1) What do you feel is most and least critical from Abram’s list of what a Librarian 2.0 should strive toward?
I don't feel that any of these ideas are not important. Each of them are important in their own way and that all people in the field should be comfortable and knowledgeable about.
2) Do you see Librarian 2.0 mentors in your community?
Yes, the librarians at my undergraduate college were very informative on new technologies and ideas to integrate into the library. They also would teach the professors and students about them in order to integrate them into classes.
3) Are you ready to become a Librarian 2.0?
YES! I am ready to become a librarian 2.0! This program uses many of new technologies that are coming out and can be used in a library. I feel that when I graduate from this program that I'll be ready to incorporate them into my own library.
1) What do you feel is most and least critical from Abram’s list of what a Librarian 2.0 should strive toward?
I don't think anything on this list can be considered the least important, however, two struck me as being of particularly great importance: "learn the major tools" and "connect people and technology and information in context". Learning the tools is the first step - if we don't know how to use the tools, we really can't be much help to patrons. Connecting people, technology and information in context means that we have to understand people's unique needs and their individual abilities and work with them to provide them with access to the information they want through technological means that they feel comfortable with.
2) Do you see Librarian 2.0 mentors in your community?
My recent experiences indicate that librarians in my community are in the process of becoming more and more "2.0" as time progresses. I suppose it is a learning process not just for library students like us but also for people who are currently working in the profession.
3) Are you ready to become a Librarian 2.0?
I'm not ready to actually be one yet, but I'm definately ready for the process of becoming one! With all the changes in the way people access information, this is truly an exciting time to be a librarian!
I agree Adrienne- what an exciting time it is to be a librarian! (I hear that a lot, from students and professionals alike)
And, I feel fortunate to have Web 2.0 avenues at the tip of my fingers in this class, like the Blog and Wiki.
It is interesting to read others comments about becoming a Librarian 2.0- whether you don't feel quite yet prepared, or are ready to hop on board- it sounds like everyone is still very open and eager for these possibilities, which is great and augments mine as well!
De Aidre-
A librarian 2.0 mentor would be a role model in any of the points from Abram's list in the blog, however not limited to this! A lot of others note that mentors have bridged the digital gap for them, or advocate information literacy. They are certainly not hiding, nor quiet! :)
1. What do you feel is most and least critical from Abram’s list of what a Librarian 2.0 should strive toward?
I think the most important item on the list is “Understand the power of the Web 2.0 opportunities” because that is where it all starts. Once we realize how important wonderful web 2.0 is then we can begin to implement it. I don’t believe any thing on this list is less important/critical than the others. They are all important.
2) Do you see Librarian 2.0 mentors in your community?
No, but I don’t know all the librarians in the community. I’m sure there is at least one person in the area that sees the potential of web/library 2.0 and would like to implement it in our library system. I just haven’t met them yet. Some of the professors that I have met at WSU will serve as Librarian 2.0 mentors to me.
3) Are you ready to become a Librarian 2.0?
Absolutely! Library 2.0 has so much potential. It will keep the library and librarian relevant in our society. Library 2.0 combines the old idea of a library as a public forum with new technology. The library is still a place where people can gather, share ideas, find information, etc. However, now they can do this in the physical environment as well as in a virtual realm. It’s very exciting to be a part of this.
I think that the librarian 2.0 is much about adapting to the new technologies in a fast paced world. Also, it is more likely learning how to implement these technologies and guiding the students in using those tools. Nowadays web 3.0 started to emerge and what after the semantic web? It is all about new technologies!!! I believe that all the things Abram talked about are important for the librarians to familiarize themselves with, and implement what best fit their patrons needs’ and their library settings’. I assume that by the time I finish my degree I will be ready to become a librarian 2.0 and even beyond that; I will always be ready to adapt and learn new emerging technologies to become librarian X.
The most critical and most basic of the points on Abram’s list are Understanding the power of Web 2.0 opportunities and Learning the major tools of web 2.0 and library 2.0. These are the jumping board to the rest of the points. They are also very broad and ever-expanding ideas. The opportunities can be shaped and found by our own imagination and hard work. The tools keep changing and updating. Personally, there is a lot for me to learn just to get up-to-date on these concepts. It is very important to realize that this is a continuous learning journey.
I haven’t had the pleasure of finding any 2.0 mentors in my library or community yet. Maybe I will be able to fill those shoes in the near future! I do believe I am ready to become a librarian 2.0. As I mentioned above, it will be a continuous path. One that I have started on by choosing this field and WSU’s LISP. It is just the start, but I am finding it exciting and inspirational.
I don't think anything on Abram's list is unimportant. It is very important that as librarians we strive to be good at everything on the list.
After reading I believe I see more in my community than I realized. Our community has really great librarians who help patrons with everything.
I'm sure after finishing the LIS program I will be ready to become a Librarian 2.0.
Honestly, I think the most important aspects of the list are the ones that are almost the most vague, simply because they encompass the most: Librarian 2.0 should connect people, technology, and information in context and librarian 2.0 should communicate with their patrons on whichever method of communication the patron is most comfortable with. Within both of these statement lies the key - librarians need to be proficient at any form of technology and communication in order to better serve their patrons. With this in mind, no, at this moment in time, I am not ready to be a Librarian 2.0, but with every class and every new technology learned, I am well on my way.
I think what is most critical from Abram's list is the connecting poeple and technology and information. I believe that is one of the most important responsibilities a librarian has and should always be a professional focus. Least critical I think is developing information for iPods and PDAs. I do not mean this should be ignored, just that the need is not that dominate. Yet as people and technology evolve, i forecast it moving into the forefront. I notice that at academic settings, Web 2.0 is noticeable and widely used. I hope to continue to develop my skills and stay on the cutting edge.
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