It was with great interest I read the different Library 2.0 perspectives. I was particularly taken with the views expressed by Michael Stephens found here. I thought he expressed many of my own thoughts on the subject. It would be nice to see a lot of these ideas implemented in my organisation, and dare I say it, the "good, yet fast decisions"! However I also think after reading the perspective of Rick Anderson (found here) that we need to be careful we don't over do the simplifying of things and "dumb down" our services too far. Often not enough credit is given to our patrons for being intelligent too. The majority of the people I see in my work place are very intelligent, articulate and well informed people and it is more than a bit patronising to imply otherwise. Given the opportunity, many welcome the challenge to learn new things. Another point I think is important to make is that not all people are comfortable with all the new technology and many still can not afford it. If you check the ABS figures internet useage is still no where near 100%. These patrons are entitled to use what is really their library in a way they are comfortable with. I also know quite a few young people who aren't all that fussed with all the new technology either and to them the "user’s preferred environment (i.e., the Web)" is nonsensical.
From reading this you may think that I am technophobic but that would also be wrong. I am a keen user of new technologies but I also think we need to be careful we don't succumb to the technolust Michael Stephens mentions. Our library runs very basic computer classes for those patrons who feel a need to learn new technologies. A number don't want to loose touch with what is happening in the world of technology completely and feel an obligation to stay informed if only to be able to stay in contact with and be able to relate to their grandchildren. It might seem like a futile exercise, especially when you look at the staff to patron ratios, but to the few we are able to reach it means an enormous amount.
After listening to and reading a lot of the hype about Web 2.0 and other technology related information about the role of libraries in the new world, one could almost be led to believe that books are an endangered species. But I ask the question, can you curl up with a computer and read the latest best seller? I know laptops are small (and getting smaller) but the aesthetics are just not the same. I doubt that the whole experience of curling up in a comfortable spot with a good read (and maybe a glass of something nice) will ever, ever be able to be replaced try as people might. We may be able to change the way we access other information we need, the way we communicate with one another and socially inter-react but when it comes to a good old fashioned "read" you just can't beat a book.
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