Libraries 2.0 Thoughts on articles

I liked what Rick Anderson had to say. The drop in circulation rates (55% in his system in 12 years!) makes it clear that print collections are becoming less and less important and access to the web from any place anywhere is the way of the future. I especially though his comments in reference to user centric services i.e. services that don't require training. I'm all for that! The question is how do we move forward and bring our services to the patrons?

Michael Stevens addresses that question. He suggest libraries should have open forums regarding decisions and plans. The library should use instant messaging to meet users in their space. Mashups should be used to build web sites. He advocates using technology that passes the test, it must meet the users need in a new and improved way. The library needs to make faster decisions and be constantly on the lookout for information that impacts the future. He goes on to suggest that the librarian's role will be to help the consumer create content and in effect become his own program director. The bottom line is we must look forward and embrace change.

Chip Nilges expounds on the benefit's of the collective intelligence and how it should be encouraged and used to promote a collaborative effort in obtaining and dispersing information.

John Reimer had some interesting ideas for expanding cataloging. He mentioned metadata bases and embraced the Open Worldcat Project. Opening up cataloging would avoid duplication of records. He suggest using RSS feeds to package and push content to user's where they work.
He cited the Endeca-based NC State catalog as an example of cataloging on the cutting edge. It offers numerous ways to navigate and ways to cluster results that are helpful to the user. He promotes the collaboration of cataloging be extended beyond the library sector. He also advocates the use of web features like review and tagging be incorporated into the catalog and that delivery of materials to the patron be extended beyond the library and include access to the inventory of college bookstores and online book vendors. They sound like innovative ideas that will help meet the challenges of maintaining patron interest and keep the library a viable entity in the 21st century.