It’s been a while—but I’m dusting this thing off.
I really have to disagree with M Stephens on a recent post about librarian attitudes. His premise is that librarians tend to think negatively toward new ideas, particularly in public services. While I will admit there is a lot of conservatism in how we operate, this is not my reality.
I guess academic libraries have led the way in listening and responding to users. It helps that we have a consolidated market, whereas public libraries have to try and please everyone. But I really don’t get this Library 2.0— this is stuff we were talking about 5 years ago.
Anyway, here are the examples he claims libraries say “no” to:
I really have to disagree with M Stephens on a recent post about librarian attitudes. His premise is that librarians tend to think negatively toward new ideas, particularly in public services. While I will admit there is a lot of conservatism in how we operate, this is not my reality.
I guess academic libraries have led the way in listening and responding to users. It helps that we have a consolidated market, whereas public libraries have to try and please everyone. But I really don’t get this Library 2.0— this is stuff we were talking about 5 years ago.
Anyway, here are the examples he claims libraries say “no” to:
- IM on public computers
(We give patrons Trillian. I also encourage them to IM me directly.) - Skateboarders visiting the library
(What next, no Emo kids in the library?) - Use of PSPs or other new devices
(If someone wants to sit in a bean-bag before class and play GTA, I say enjoy.) - No Cell Phones
(I was so happy when we killed this rule last summer. We have noisey
floors and quiet floors. What’s the difference if I am talking with a group of friends vs on my phone? I’ve actually seen students use them productively, getting help from friends and working on project collaboratively.) - No Eating or Drinking
(We have a café so this doesn’t really apply to us. Students will also have pizzas delivered to the library.)
