A necessary paradigm shift to Library 2.0

I've been with JPL for only a little bit more than a year. I decided to work in the library because I am a lifelong fan of the service the library provide and I am passionate about helping others. I likewise believe in the role of the library in the community and JPL's vision: Start here, Go anywhere fits how I see this organization perfectly.

Modesty aside, I am confident in my own capacity to adapt to the change Library 2.0 challenges us to. I'm not a techie but I believe that as long as it helps achieve a particular goal, technology can and will be an ally. What Library 2.0 brings to the table is a necessary paradigm shift in how we achieve our goals vis-a-vis our role in the lives of the citizens of Jacksonville.

I read the other day in the news that the city is cutting $1million dollars of book funds. That is a huge amount that will definitely affect the way we "traditionally" serve customers...that is to make available more copies of printed titles they desire. But this financial challenges should also be seen in the context of how our customers' needs are evolving. Are there certain cost-effective ways to address certain needs using web 2.0 technology?

I likewise have high hopes when we started this training. I feel that it is not anymore just a mere option for the 21st century librarian to see how this technology has revolutionized the library of tomorrow. It is coming. That's the inevitable. Sure, there will always be customers who will never care about this but more and more people will come to the libraries with a different set of expectations that we encountered say 5 years ago. In this light, I'm a bit disappointed to see less and less of our staff participating in this training.

But hopefully we ought not give up on them 'coz taking this course is in the heart of JPL's continued desire to remain relevant for this great city's future.