I really enjoyed Rick Anderson's article, "Away from the 'icebergs'" because, while it warned of the impending possibility of libraries fading into obsolescence, it also identified some necessary changes/adaptations that libraries can make in order to maintain their very functional role in society. I think that all too many people are unable to fully appreciate the value of a library because they do not fully understand the vast number of resources it really offers. I'd say most people envision libraries as "big buildings full of books". With this mindset, the demise of libraries is inevitable as information of all kinds goes digital and becomes easily and instantly accessible from the World Wide Web. Likewise, as the demand for books in print rapidly diminishes, so does the need for libraries.
What people fail to understand is that a library isn't so much a "big building full of books" as it is a "big building full of information". And it is not the primary role of the librarian to supervise the books, so much as it is for them to be able to efficiently access this information. After all, no one goes to the library and asks the librarian to teach them to read -- people go to the library and ask the librarian to find a book or resource for them. It follows then, that as books in print fall by the wayside, the role of the librarian does not necessarily go with it.
For librarians to maintain their usefulness, they simply need to adapt with the changing times. For much the same reason that the Raven About Web 2.0 course was designed, librarians need to continue to possess the skill-set of being able to effectively access information. This no longer necessarily means having an intimate familiarity with the Dewey Decimal System, but instead it now means becoming fluent in useful, contemporary technological applications in an increasingly digital world.
I think the Raven About Web 2.0 course is providing an invaluable, and extremely necessary, resource for librarians and teachers alike. Our society is, and will continue to become more and more technologically dependent. The Digital Train is leaving the station, and it is time for educators of all disciplines to either get on board, or get left behind.
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SP, I think you hit the nail on the head with your comment: 'A library is a big building full of information." That is very insightful. As a mature student, I hearken back to the library as a big building full of books. I like that big building! But I also recognize that with the pace of advancing technology, changes, they are a comin'!
ReplyDeleteI also responded to Rick Anderson's perspective. I thought his perceptions were well spoken and concise and showed insight into
what changes need to be made for successful contemporary libraries.