[Publib] Arguing Technology

[Carl Long]

Lorie,

So it looks like we are more in accord than I first thought. Chalk it up 
to the limitations of LIST-SERVs, lol. I think it was your title that 
triggered my response I thought you were somehow arguing against 
technology, even if tangentially.

"I know librarians who shut down when the power (or just the internet) 
is off, completely unable to function.  And I know a few who are 
steadfastly dragging their feet as if through thick mud in resistance to 
new ways.  Neither way is helpful to the profession or to the patron."
Agreed :)

Best Regards,
Mr. Carl William Long, M.L.S. (http://carlwilliamlong.googlepages.com)
Reference Librarian II (Email: carl.long at reading.lib.pa.us)
Reading Public Library (http://www.reading.lib.pa.us)
Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Lorie J. O'Donnell wrote:
> Hi Carl~
>
> I agree completely.  I was certainly not denigrating modern 
> technology.  I am all for modern technology; it makes life 
> immeasurably easier. (And fun, on occasion, too.)  I was merely 
> stating that technology is not what makes me a librarian. Doing the 
> job is what makes me a librarian.  I think one of the most valuable 
> assets we can have is adaptability.
>
> I know librarians who shut down when the power (or just the internet) 
> is off, completely unable to function.  And I know a few who are 
> steadfastly dragging their feet as if through thick mud in resistance 
> to new ways.  Neither way is helpful to the profession or to the patron.
>
> Lorie
> (who is wondering how you knew I always wanted to be a race car driver 
> *grin*)
>
>
> On Feb 5, 2009, at 9:40 AM, Carl Long wrote:
>
>> Yes, you're still a librarian when the power goes out. Just like 
>> you're still a race car driver if your race car is in the shop or 
>> partially disabled. But I fail to see how denigrating or attempting 
>> to trivialize modern information technology helps the profession or 
>> helps the patron? I would argue that the best path is to see both the 
>> strengths and weakness of any given library resource and use them 
>> aptly and appropriately.
>>
>
> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> Lorie J. O'Donnell, MLS
> Chief Librarian for Children's Services
>
> Jervis Public Library
> 613 N. Washington St.
> Rome, NY   13440
>
> 315-336-4570 ext. 226
>
>
>
>
>
>