Thing # 14

I read three articles, but my favorite two were Away fron Icebergs and Librarians 2.0 Manifesto. Away from Icebergs gave the three points that we will need to let go of in this century if we are to succeed as librarians. First, is the 'just in case collection'. That would eliminate the pack rats among us that can't stand to part with anything because 'you never know...' Our collection is becoming too easily accessible to attain to keep and store anymore in the traditional sense. Next, we need to eliminate the barriers that exist between the patron and the information they need ~ not bore them with extensive research methods. Our next challenge is to place our library services and the content in the user's preferred environment ~ go to them, not wait for them to come to us because the web is too easily attainable to not be utilized. Finally, he concludes by saying that we need to be ready to adapt if we are going to face the challenges before us because we are in real danger if we refuse to do so.
The other article I liked was the Librarians 2.0 Manifesto which was really just an optimistic list of reminders for the librarian affirming the changing times of the library and how we must adapt and be flexible to these changes. Our attitude must be openminded, creative, supportive, professional and positive. I was amazed at the responses to this article from all over the world ~ Denmark, South America, etc. Excellent reminder of what we need to strive for everyday in our profession.