Hello folks,
Today I am going to discuss a general topic that libraries are taking to heart at the moment. A new idea has slipped into library philosophy called "Library 2.0." Library 2.0, as I understand it, involves the idea that technology can bring information to patrons. With information being more easily available it's questionable where libraries physically fit. It's a scary idea to those in the profession that there will be no need for librarians because patrons will look up everything on computers. Alarmists also like to scream that there will be no need for books in our future paper-less society.
I call BS on these fears, but I understand the existential angst. In terms of technology encroachment, the only options libraries have is to evolve. Let's face it, you can't push back the tide, man. Librarians need to train themselves to use these technologies to help patrons better. Technology does not equal extinction. Patrons, and human beings in general, will always want human contact. They trust human beings to answer there questions, or at least confirm what they already know, more than machines.
As a reader I believe that there will always be printed books. Haven't had the chance to use the new Amazon Kindle. However there's nothing new about digital ebooks, just visit Project Gutenberg. I think that digital representations of books lack a major psychological pull: the turning of the page. In this way the reader is physically able to move forward and feel accomplishment. It's not the same reading off a screen and clicking forward. Plus books are smaller, and don't need batteries or a power outlet.
So in the end Libraries/Librarians need to evolve and learn new technologies. It's hard to keep up, but I'm glad that I've had the chance to learn some new things. In the future I'm sure there will be a Library 3.0 where we can learn even more.
Have an awesome weekend. Book Slave.
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