Next Week: Libraries and Museums in an Era of Participatory Culture – Salzburg Global Institute

Next week I’ll be taking part in the Salzburg Global Institute program Libraries and Museums in an Era of Participatory Culture:

http://www.salzburgglobal.org/current/sessions.cfm?IDSpecial_Event=2961

As key stewards of our culture and heritage, libraries and museums have traditionally enjoyed, and to a great extent still do enjoy, a unique role and special responsibility within societies around the world. But as economic disruptions and rapid technological innovation have brought about dramatic societal changes, libraries and museums, too, are being forced to revisit and rethink their own roles and responsibilities within these changing societies. The 21st century indeed poses perplexing challenges, but at the same time offers intriguing new opportunities for libraries and museums. It is a critical moment for leaders within libraries and museums to reflect creatively and strategically about the role and place of their institutions in an era of participatory culture and to recognize and seize the opportunity for reorientation and reinvention.

One of my roles will be that of blogger for the sessions and discussions. I will be posting here at TTW often throughout the four day institute. I’ll also be taking part in a panel discussion on emerging technologies and participatory culture.

I’ve been teaching Participatory Service in Libraries for a few years now – utilizing Michael Casey & Laura Savastinuk’s Library 2.0: A guide to participatory library service  as well as other excellent resources and it amazes me to see how many of the ideas and philosophies of participatory service are integrated into libraries. To prepare for next week,  I thought I’d ask TTW readers to share their thoughts about participatory culture and libraries in 2011. Please comment below – or consider submitting a guest post to TTW – I’ll review any submission folks might send for possible publication at TTW  (excluding those weird spammy emails I get from time to time from 100 great online whatevers). Email me at mstephens7 (at) mac.com

Thanks to the Institute of Museum and Library Services in Washington, D.C. and the Salzburg Global Seminar for inviting me to participate in this event.

This post is a reflection/response to questions posed at the Salzburg Global Seminar program Libraries and Museums in an Era of Participatory Culture, exploring the challenges, solutions and potential for participatory services within libraries and museums.

Special Thanks to the Salzburg Global Seminar for the invitation to participate in this event.