http://www.blyberg.net/2008/01/17/library-20-debased/
Don’t hold your breath waiting for technology to adapt to the library environment. Web 2.0 did not evolve with libraries in mind, and there’s no reason to think that it ever will. I realize that, at first glance, that statement seems to run counter to what I’ve been saying with regards to not forcing a square peg into a round hole. What I mean is that we cannot expect to retrofit our libraries with tomorrow’s technology. The true pursuit of Library 2.0 involves a thorough recalibration of process, policy, physical spaces, staffing, and technology so that any hand-offs in the patron’s library experience are truly seamless. We can learn a lot about collaboration and individual empowerment from Web 2.0, but we cannot be subsumed by it because we have a mission that eclipses “don’t be evil” which is the closest thing to a conscience the Web will ever have.
I applaud John for articulating so many of the thoughts I’ve been mulling over of late: has L2 been co-opted by vendors? Is talking about “cool technologies” used in the library a solution to all of our problems – the be all end all? Or is it more of a cultural and ecological shift in philosophy, planning and engagement?