LibraryTechtonics

I’m really glad to see library associations and groups seeking the observations and guidance of people outside of the library sphere. Libraries have a lot to learn from other industries, especially from new media, the crew that really gets the culture, and can look at our profession with a fresh outlook.

My friend Bryan Person, a force of new media in the Boston area, sent me a link to What I’ll tell the Librarians, a blog post by Shel Israel over at his blog Global Neighbourhoods, about the talk he’s developing to deliver to the California Library Association. This co-author of Naked Conversations: how blogs are changing the way businesses talk with customers (co-written with Robert Scoble) is soliciting feedback on his talking notes from librarians and social media people. Take a look at the post, it’s a good read, and I envy the California librarians who will see his presentation! Here’s my favorite bit:

8. To Engage the Online Generation

• Use social media to join conversations
• Become expert resources on how to use the tools
• Use social media to eliminate physical boundaries
• Librarians as Internet knowledge guides
• Infinite bookshelf is hear.
• Virtual books? The content is what’s relevant
• Use real places to explore digital spaces
• Bridge the digital divide
• Go multimedia

Surprised, right ;D? The only thing I’d add is “don’t be afraid to go beta.” It’s the engage and conversations parts that are important here. Don’t just start an account and hang out with the other librarians. Get in there with the other communities, and do the outreach.

Jeanne Kramer-Smyth, a friend of mine from college and now a student in the archives program at University of Maryland (check out her blog, Spellbound Blog, it’s awesome!), sent me a link to an announcement from the IMLS (for my non-library readers out there, the Institute of Museum and Library Services) about a presentation by Robert L. Dilenschneider, the nationally-known communications strategist and author at the IMLS inaugural Leadership Lecture. The author of Power and influence: the rules have changed, was noted as saying:

“the paradigm is rapidly shifting in your world and you must prepare for a great leap forward using technology as a teaching tool.”

Warning that libraries and museums dealing with the new technology and multi-media applications “must accept, adapt, and accelerate their use, or simply atrophy,” Dilenschneider stressed that those technologies can also be an invaluable tool in attracting new patrons and volunteers as well as additional financial support.

I’m not sure who at these organizations requested these speakers, but I commend them for their smarts. Also, it’s nice to see that people who specialize in using technology for success are thinking about what libraries can do to be successful, too. I’d recommend everyone give these two books at least a once over, to get a sense of where they’re coming from. And, the next time you need a speaker on technology success and progress, consider looking to your local new media community for a nearby, non-librarian speaker to help bring a fresh perspective to libraries, librarians, and technology.

Tags: librarians, libraries, speakers, technology