Lots of reading on this one. First off I am a advisory board member and not a librarian so I will admit right off that the behind the scenes of the library such as cataloging and stuff are way over my head. However I did enjoy reading Rick Anderson' article "Web 2.0". It talked about the 3 icebergs threatening our progress 1. Just in case collection, 2. Reliance on user education and 3. Come to us attitude.
1- Actually we are the only full time library in the county and we look much like we have for the past 20 or more years with the exception of having some computer and high speed Internet access. Our book shelves and materials look much like they have looks since I was a student here back in the 60s. The collection of books and printed materials are there for those who want to use them but other than for novels, and books on tape/CDs they are used less and less. The wave as we all know is using the Internet to find what we need. We just help out a little or provide the access with our computers. Many folks don't see us as a source for their needs since they have HSI at home or work. There is a need for change here so we can be a source for more patrons.
2- With such a small staff there is only one real member to do all the training and most of that is limited to showing people how to use the Internet connected computers. There for training is done only once a week if needed. Trying to move into the Web 2.0 environment is going to be a slow process if it is going to happen at our library. As many small libraries we have limited funds and limited staff.
3 - We definately have a "come to us" attitude. What I see is we need to offer what our clients want. I'm hoping that mind set changes and we offer what the public wants but in many cases our clients do know what is out there and therefore don't know how it can benefit them. We first need to learn the new treads and tools that our potential clients could use. How were are going to do this is still up in the air. I'm wondering if the library even know who its potential customers might be? First we need to know what is out there, learn it, build it then go market it.
In summry our library staff needs to me taking this online course to learn what new is out there, find out how our customers could benefit for learing and using it, develop a plan to of acction and get it started. Guess I will bring that up in tomorrows board metting.
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