Comments on: Libraries are dead

By: Knowledge work — where is the emphasis? « Matt’s Musings

Knowledge work — where is the emphasis? « Matt’s Musings — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 00:53:15 +0000

[...] is not an emphasis, though, on formally teaching people how to use PCs, Micto$oft Office software, the web, blogs, wikis or Google. And while Anne Zelenka [...]

By: Missy Higgins and the slow death of libraries « Matt’s Musings

Missy Higgins and the slow death of libraries « Matt’s Musings — Sun, 13 May 2007 23:45:24 +0000

[...] with the words “the slow death of libraries” to arrive here. It reminded me of some posts I made earlier about libraries and librarians and a comment made by Missy Higgins at her concert here in Canberra last [...]

By: Uffe Jon Ploug

Uffe Jon Ploug — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 20:00:53 +0000

So very true and yet so overlooked. Another example of this way of thinking is the way in which companies integrate systems such as CRM (Customer Relations Management) or any other general business tool. They get a program, install it on their network and expect people to just use it, regardless of how it fits into their daily life - for them it’s just a software problem, not one with a human dimension. Today, we are focused on metrics but forget to think about it in terms of usability. Example: studying customer behaviour on websites is a science all to itself these days. But measuring the employees is handled with a generic tool that doesn’t offer the individual employee any benefits. And let’s face it: if it doesn’t add value for me, why should I use it?

By: Gabrielle

Gabrielle — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 03:09:54 +0000

Very interesting - I see it is a follow on & conclusion from the things you were talking about while studying.
I think the only way for libraries to change in most cases is if the old librarians retire & the new ones (or more modern thinking older ones)who understand the current information environment (assuming there are any) take over…

By: Avalonne

Avalonne — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 02:23:01 +0000

You know, except for going “*gasp* Libraries are alive and well… on the net…” I would have to agree with you. I shy away from calling myself a librarian, because I haven’t touched books in… well, a good year or so. I am far closer to an IA, or DKM (Digital Knowledge Manager) than I am to “librarian”. Although in saying that, there is nothing wrong with being a librarian… apart from being scarred for life by working as an event manager at a Library Conference. *shudders*. Will possibly post a more academic response later.