[Publib] Library 2.0?!

[Sheehan, Kate]

Wow, I feel like I should jump in here and say that LibraryThing for Libraries is integrated entirely into our catalog. The LTFL links never take users anywhere else. 

Also, there are lots of us tech types who also work the desk and do our best to make sure as many people as possible (can't please all of the people all of the time) on board and comfortable with new technologies before forging ahead. 
 
In the case of LTFL (again, not the same thing as using LT to showcase new books with cover images that link to Amazon), seeing is usually believing. When I started talking (nonstop) about being a beta tester for LTFL, I sensed some skepticism, but once I had a demo in our catalog, most folks were pretty enthusiastic. 

Kathleen, it sounds like you've been burned; discombobulated training or wonky roll out schedules can be insanely frustrating for everyone. I like to think that *most* of us are trying to look for utility first, cool factor second (or not at all). Fundamentally, Library 2.0 is about service, which will mean something different to each person who walks through our doors (raise your hand if you've fielded complaints that the card catalog was much easier to use). 

We'll never be able to make everyone happy, staff or patrons, but we shouldn't stop trying to innovate. Some experiments don't work out, sometimes our best efforts aren't good enough and sometimes we aggravate our users (and each other). That's life and that's how progress works.  
Cheers,
kate


---------------------------------
Kate Sheehan
Coordinator of Library Automation
Danbury Library
170 Main St.
Danbury, CT 06810
 
203.796.1607
ksheehan at danburylibrary.org
 
http://www.danburylibrary.org
http://www.myspace.com/danburylibrary

> -----Original Message-----
> From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-
> bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Kathleen Stipek
> Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2007 9:55 PM
> To: kgs at bluehighways.com; p
> Subject: RE: [Publib] Library 2.0?!
> 
> To make a long answer short, you're darn right we need it.  If we don't
> know how to use the tools effectively and efficiently, we are not doing
> the job those nice taxpayers are paying us to do for them.  If we aren't,
> what happens to us when those folks start wondering if all the money they
> are paying is being wisely used?  They get cranky when they don't think it
> isn't.
> 
> Kathleen Stipek
> Alachua County Library District
> 401 East University Avenue
> Gainesville, Florida 32601
> (352-334-3931) fax (352-334-3948)
> 
> --Non, merci.
>   Cyrano de Bergerac
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-
> bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of K.G. Schneider
> Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2007 7:28 PM
> To: 'p'
> Subject: RE: [Publib] Library 2.0?!
> 
> All too often those who purchase the Next Big Technological Thing forget
> about the end users and that carbon-based interface who has to explain it
> to them. ...
> 
> ...
> 
> I'm in a slightly devilish mood, and it's almost Friday! So I'm going to
> turn the tables on Kathleen's comment.
> 
> Assuming that you at least get a heads-up that it's imminent, is it really
> so difficult for us to figure out something like "wow, now the catalog can
> give us recommendations!" Hello, masters in library science?
> 
> Do we have to put out reams of documentation for stuff that is kind of,
> well, obvious? Could we close the deal with a five-minute YouTube video?
> ("This is your library. This is your library on Librarything.")
> 
> I'm all for good documentation... if people actually used it, that would
> be even cooler. Did I ever tell the PUBLIB folks about an experience at a
> Former Place Of Work learning through usability testing that just about
> nobody reads documentation?
> 
> Also, I fully understand how it can be working somewhere that new
> technology is constantly dumped on you without warning. But exactly how
> many innovations are being dumped on the typical public library in an
> average workweek? Is it so dizzying, really?
> 
> Karen G. Schneider
> 
> 
> 
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