The future is Here!

I believe libraries will be in a constant state of change if they want people to continue to use them. I have worked in three libraries and the hardest change to occur is internal change. There is a signifcant number of directors, librarians and employees who prefer the old style of library. The library were the books sit on the shelf and if a patron needs assistance they must approach an unapproachable library employee and ask for their assistance. The library is silent, still and cold.

I feel that all of this must change if libraries wish to be used in the future. Rather than sit behind a desk and wait for patrons. I think librarians should be walking the floor, circulating amongst the patrons, talking with them and assisting them. I think library assistants should be not be considered unskilled labor but rather a support resource to the library and librarians. Library training should be encouraged and step promotions offered. A library assistant should be able to work both service and information centers.

It's time to rip off the old image of library's being nothing but a storage room for books and librarians being sweet little old ladies in sensible shoes.

I say "Librarians should wear Prada!"

tagging

Oh my gosh! I did not know there were so many blogs out there. And now we have a way to sort and organize them. I learned a great deal from the podcast on Delicious and Technorati. I think I will definitely use them. Just as soon as I get my courage. Maybe tomorrow. But totally, WOW.

techno fun

Oh, is this fun.
I created a library trading card, a blogline and an image generator. I feel like a true GEEK. My favorite sight is FD toys. This is followed by Dummies Book Generator. I'm not sure how much I will use Blogline.
I reviewed LibraryThing. I think this a great tool for small libraries or personal collections. I look forward to learning about Wiki's.

OK-time to get back into the program. I strayed off course just a little. I started 23 things last spring because I love to learn new things. I also like to apply what I learn. In March I developed a book blog with the local public library. We blogged "Al Capone does my shirts" with the middle classes at my school. It was great. The kids loved using the web but more than anything they read the book. And they would tell me about it at school. What a wonderful way to go into summer.

Now it's fall and I must bring myself back into the learning mode. My next project is a trading card, then librarything and finally a wiki. Learning and trying new things- That's ME!