Web 2.0 / Library 2.0

“We are teaching the machine” / “We are the machine / “We are the web” - I suppose the next thing is “We are all there is” Web 2 has overtaken us so well – are there limits? Is there a wall out there somewhere we are shooting towards. Do the poor in Afganistan also understand the world as a close knit global unit – as you only need a ‘machine’ to join in.
Icebergs
“All are remnants of a bygone information age, practices and attitudes that no longer make sense but which we have difficulty letting go” Really ? No longer make sense ? I don’t think that is entirely true – the essentials of librarianship are still there – restrictive attitudes & modus operandi have changed, but the librarian of today is also a product of her age & these things do not nec apply. Of course, it’s normal to upgrade practices (the effects of too much too soon is questionable), but leaning too far into this space might also isolate us beyond our patrons. Attitudes – well, we have always focused on sharing knowledge & encouraging our patrons to take part along the way; we have always been library 2.0 active in my view.

I don’t think we are kidding ourselves wanting to keep a ‘print’ collection & being a public library, essentially something on most subjects. We have schooled our public to have far-reaching & imaginative minds – we will be pushing them away if libraries can’t / don’t offer any other options than what they can find themselves online. As always, we need to provide for ‘all’ our customers ie all aspects of our society. Plus we can’t assume that the new generation will feel the same (I guess they will look after themselves), however it is probably not possible to have a reasonable selection of all resource media - so indeed where do we go from here - I suppose at least ‘reading’ will still be a requirement?
Does it meet the users need in an improved way? – “exactly”

At least 'these' statements still apply: ‘integrating our services into their daily patterns of work, study and play’; ‘promote community memories’ ; ‘library is everywhere, barrier-free, and participatory’ (wonderful).

Transition to Library 3.0: the 3D service
Are we in danger of becoming a ‘device’ on screen that politely directs those who visit us online into cyberspace realms & virtual reality libraries – where you step into an illusionary informational directive space created to make your library experience entertaining & rewarding. I can see libraries could be in such a sphere – where the personal touch is but imagined.

Libraries have a terribly important role, one which increases in difficulty as technical advancements are made ; keeping a level that is accessible but also in a superior place. I see us looking on the face of it, just like an ordinary library of the past, however once entered inside, the services offered are levels upon levels ; a visitor will simply step into their level.

Tread Carefully Ahead …. we know not what is upon us.
(think I’ve said too much again..)