In order to catalyze change, librarians must participate in the discussion of the positive possibilities of evolving technology. We can debate opposing viewpoints until were blue – like the “dueling dualists” (Wellman and Gulia 1), but what does that do?
Technology has helped us perform better in the past. Today, Librarians are able to monitor technological, social, and community trends & keep ahead of the curve. Yes, it is important to recognize the risks involved when participating in social networks and the internet community. Yes, it is important to instruct youth (and all new web-surfers) in the best and safest practices when exploring the Internet and other online communities. No one benefits from circular debates. Anyone with the mind to doubt and disagree, will. If your mind is open to new possibilities you will find a way to fit new ideas into your core values & join the evolving discussion!
I’d like to revisit an idea from one of my previous posts: “The future library will provide free resources & services that bridge information & communication gaps between members of a geographic community (or virtual communities)” 11 Oct 2010.
That idea is relevant to a question raised in the article Net Surfers Don’t Ride Alone: Virtual Communities as Communities; “Have such changes led community to (a) fall apart, (b) persevere as village-like shelters from mass society, or (c) be liberated from the clasp of traditional solidarity groups” (Wellman and Gulia 2)?
Michael Stephen’s slides helped me respond to each given answer to that question:
Driskell & Lyon: “Users find initial or supplemental connections that lead to community” (slide 23)
“Determined wikis can succeed as sustainable communities with a good balance of member interaction and policy” (slide 39)
(a) the only community that has fallen apart is the community paradigm.
(b) the internet can augment (or enhance) communication within communities found in mass society – not shelter communities from society.
(c) evolving communication technology liberates libraries from the solitary silos!
Both the Library’s virtual presence & enthusiasts’ continuous, consistent participation in the Evolving Libraries discussion creates multiple platforms for “positive and interactive” discussion about libraries. This discussion will catalyze the creation of helpful, secure, and places (virtual or geographic) that people will instinctively come to with questions.
*pardon the lack of media attachments this week {technical difficulties} *cough*FAULTY HARDDRIVE*cough*
