Chapter 3 discussed technology as it relates to the office environment and home-workers in reltation to that. C/D (I now work in advertising too!) and thier experiemental new office structure took a large portion of the chapter. How does all this relate to libraries? To be honest, I'm not really sure. I think I will take this approach, Libraries should be choosy what technologies they choose to use. Just cause it's trendy doesn't mean you have to adopt it. Also implimentation is important. If you are trying to be trendy and jump on the "bandwagon" - you should also decided to do a good job of it. I've gone to more than one library website where they have tried to incorporate web 2.o features on thier web -1.0 websites and it just comes over looking very pedestrian and dosen't send a good message at all. They would have been better off just keeping it simple rather than trying to do to much at one time. KISS a.k.a "Keep it Simple Stupid" should be hung up in every library across the globe. Do not complicate things that don't need it, aka don't try to use technologies where you don't or cant properly support/impliment them.
Approach #2 to the chapter: Libraries should take a lesson from C/D and not be so strict with thier clientel. I may be the proud and the few, but unless it's a special collection environment - I think Coffee is a very good idea, some call me crazy, but I will even go as far and say a Cafe would be a nice touch too. Unlike with the move-again and again C/D'ers, libraries should try and create a familiar and relaxed environment if they want people to be comfortable. Libraries are not Book Museums (well unless they are), they are aisles of information organized in a recognizable pattern (although some would argue thats a stretch).
Random thoughts on the chapter: I tended to get lots of out the chapter from a corporate work perspective and how people rely on other people to understand and support the use of technology (i.e G.Bell). This chapter made total sense to me. Often times in the library environment I would become the IT Help Desk as libraries tried to catch up and the staff tried to just keep pace. Now I am IT and it's even worse. There is quickly becoming a general accepted level of computer skills and to fall below that makes you almost irrelevant. I think this is not really due to people critizing the level of knowledge, but the cost and time that is consumed by one user having to show another user how to do something. This is a bit of a tangent, so I will end that
In closing I think the guy at the start of chapter 3, should own a MAC and there is a reason shared office space for independent workers is opening up all over the city.
3 comments:
Leala, can I just say, I love that first sentence?! Really: how many times does 'change' mean restructuring things in ways users can't stand and don't use?
And, you've got a fast 'second' on all pro-mac and pro-coffee comments. ;)
I agree that the authors' point was that libraries need to be careful in choosing technologies for their libraries. I think librarians need to take into account the things you have mentioned -- whether the technology really fits or is appropriate within the context of the library and its patrons. For example, may be implementing a lot of gaming technology in a library for which the primary patrons are senior citizens would not work, but in the context of a community with a strong teenage patron base, that type of technology would be very well received. Of course, training of staff on the technology and subsequent training of the patrons and availability of tutorials also makes a difference in successful implementation. However, I agree with the authors that context is relevant as well.
"K.I.S.S." indeed. I think that there is no other place where keeping it simple is as important as it is in libraries. As the gatekeepers and experts of information, the way we disseminate it is so important. If our users cannot understand how to get to it, the information is useless because they are not getting it. While it's important to be on the cutting edge of technology to keep up with the small percentage of our patrons who are cutting edge as well, the majority of our users need to take baby steps into this brave new world, and as librarians, we can hold their hands in doing so when it's done correctly. In this capacity, we serve a dual purpose...we are helping those find the information they need, while teaching them (sometimes subliminally) new and useful technologies.
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