Library 2.0 Workshop Tomorrow & Radical Trust

I’m putting the finish touches on a Library 2.0 workshop I’ll be presenting tomorrow at Metropolitan Library System.

I’m using Darlene’s definition in one section, and she expanded on her thinking about “radical trust” here: http://library.usask.ca/~fichter/blog_on_the_side/2006/04/web-2.html

We can only build emergent systems if we have radical trust. With an emergent system, we build something without setting in stone what it will be or trying to control all that it will be. We allow and encourage participants to shape and sculpt and be co-creators of the system. We don’t have a million customers/users/patrons … we have a million participants and co-creators.

Radical trust is about trusting the community. We know that abuse can happen, but we trust (radically) that the community and participation will work. In the real world, we know that vandalism happens but we still put art and sculpture up in our parks. As a online community we come up with safeguards or mechanisms that help keep open contribution and participation working.