Week 6 - Thing 15

Library 2.0 Thoughts

I read the "Away from the “icebergs”" article and found it interesting albeit a bit one sided. I agree that certain aspects of libraries change.

The icebergs we're supposed to avoid are the collection of books someone may at some point want to read.
Such material is indeed space wasting as such can easily be found online.
Another potential iceberg is that currently libraries staff is not adequately trained to help out customers in todays technology. If library 2.0 is to take of, librarians need to be teachers not only in research methods and the like but also in computer technology.
The last iceberg mentioned is the one where the library needs to go to the people rather than force people to come to the library. Having a web presence is where one can search, read, research etc. for free is a must for libraries to survive.

In another article "To a temporary place in time...", Dr. Wendy Schultz claims there is not only library 2.0 but also 3.0 and 4.0. In the last, library 4.0 she states:

"But Library 4.0 will add a new mode, knowledge spa: meditation, relaxation, immersion in a luxury of ideas and thought. In companies, this may take the form of retreat space for thought leaders, considered an investment in innovation; in public libraries, the luxurious details will require private partners as sponsors providing the sensory treats. Library 4.0 revives the old image of a country house library, and renovates it: from a retreat, a sanctuary, a pampered experience with information—subtle thoughts, fine words, exquisite brandy, smooth coffee, aromatic cigar, smell of leather, rustle of pages—to the dream economy’s library, the LIBRARY: a WiFREE space, a retreat from technohustle, with comfortable chairs, quiet, good light, coffee and single malt. You know, the library."


This is how I've always seen libraries, a place to borrow books sure but also a place to study, alone or with friends, primarily to find a place of solitude, a place I knew where everyone understood to be quiet; a special place to hide from the daily hustle and bustle of normal life.
And no matter how advanced the technology, I think even far into the future people will read books as they are today for enjoyment.