L2 Manifesto; Teen Read and Children's Book Weeks; "Programming for young children, birth to age 5"

News August 24, 2007 (mp3 file: 5.94 MB, 6:29 min.)
L2 Manifesto; Teen Read and Children's Book Weeks; "Programming for young children, birth to age 5"

“A Librarian's 2.0 Manifesto” from Laura Cohen's blog, Library 2.0: An Academic Librarian's Perspective, (and featured in American Libraries August 2007) offers 17 resolutions to help us as we approach the changes that L2.0 represents. For example, one resolution is:
"I will avoid requiring users to see things in librarians' terms but rather will shape services to reflect users' preferences and expectations.”

I was discussing the Manifesto with one of my trustees (via instant messaging, by the way) and we realized that it is a LOT, and sounds a little overwhelming if you are just beginning with Library 2.0's ideas. So, look for just one or two to think about and absorb--maybe one that worries you a little because it will be a challenge for you. Talk with your trustees about it.

I have my two chosen. I’ve been excited about L2.0 for some time, and "embrace" the concepts, as they say, and my board is very supportive but that doesn't mean that there aren't things that the Manifesto has to say to me.

A few more that I’d like to highlight:

“I will become an active participant in moving my library forward.”
Even the wording of this is very to part of SWILSA’s vision for librarians and trustees-- that you are “change agents, and active participants in positive movement toward the future.” So we're here to help you however we can.

“I will recognize that the universe of information culture is changing fast and that libraries need to respond positively to these changes to provide resources and services that users need and want.”
One of the goals of SWILSA’s strategic plan is: “Communities look to their libraries to take the lead in awareness and use of appropriate technologies to achieve enriched lives and economic vitality.”

Again, we’re here to help.

“I will take an experimental approach to change and be willing to make mistakes.”

As the SWILSA Board has discussed various projects that we’ve undertaken (and a couple of new ones coming up) we have noted that we think part of our function is to give you a chance to offer—or try--new things, with us assuming as much of the risk and cost as possible, so yours is reduced—the webhosting on the SWILSA server that we began several years ago, for example, or the ebooks project, or the upcoming downloadable audiobooks project.

In short, we’re here to help with any Library 2.0 ideas and activities you want to discuss or try out.

And remember this one: “I will enjoy the excitement and fun of positive change and will convey this to colleagues and users." Enjoy, and have fun. --Karen

Links from today's podcast:

• Laura Cohen's blog: Library 2.0: An Academic's Perspective
  
• Librarian's 2.0 Manifesto
• SWILSA's Youth Services webpage
• Children's Book Council

Book reviewed by Marcia:

Programming for young children: birth through age five, prepared by Carole D. Fiore. ALA, c1996.