I just finished reading the article “Where do we begin? A library 2.0 conversation with Michael Casey”. My first thought is, that I’m not sure which conferences these two have been going to, but I haven’t recently been to a library conference that has created podcasts of its speakers or wiki’s for that matter. (Although I’ve heard lots of talk about it) But how easy would it have been to do this? I was really disappointed with this years VALA conference in that respect. Although the content is always good. Being a professional library organisation whose catch phrase is “Libraries, technology and the future” I’d have expected a blog at least. If they have one, it’s not mentioned on their website http://www.vala.org.au/ .
But back to the article, I agree with Michael Stephens re: his comments about language. I think some of the technical language may be putting off some new comers (library professionals). A lot of libraries have initiated programs like ’21 lunges’ and the ‘24 exercise’. These are brilliant! I also think there are some great ideas for application of web 2.0 technologies within libraries, (Library 2.0) but I think this should be more user-driven rather than librarian driven, as Michael Casey states. Library professionals do need to know what’s out there and how it works, but we need to be asking our users in what direction they want us to take it. There’s no point us creating these great ideas and them not being interested.
The article talks about giving patrons what they want like a comfy space, good lighting, the right to bring food and coffee in, taking away the barriers or negative rules that may have made people reluctant to spend time in libraries. I think RMIT library is on the right track. If we having overcrowding problems we must be doing something right.
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