On Jan 3, 2008, at 5:46 PM, B.G. Sloan wrote:
> Google is a single entity, with fairly straightforward goals and
> decision-making processes. The library community is actually
> thousands of entities (both libraries and librarians), not all of
> which are heading in the same direction....
>
> I think the only realistic way that librarians can move forward
> rapidly in this area will be through a relatively small group (or
> groups) of talented dedicated people that is beholden to no one,
> and thus is not obligated to spend huge amounts of time engaged in
> consensus building...
I agree and disagree at the same time.
On one hand it is true there is no central authority in Library Land,
and no, most libraries do not share exactly the same goals. Such
things are advantages of hierarchal organizations.
On the other hand I posit that libraries have more things in common
than differences. We all share the desire to collect, preserve,
organize, and disseminate data/information for the use of our
constituents. Our only differences are in the funding sources, the
types of materials, and the audiences. Our processes are very (VERY)
similar. Moreover libraries have a long tradition of collaboration.
When you combine these characteristics (advantages) with the evolving
characteristics (advantages) of a networked environment I believe it
is entirely possible for our profession to move forward toward a
shared goal. It worked for an operating system. It can work for
library systems. I do not advocate a single solution. Nor do I
advocate a totally open source software solution. Just as there is
room for many text editors, database management systems, indexers,
image manipulation programs, email servers, HTTP servers, etc. There
is also room for circulation modules, indexing modules, metadata
editors, data converters, search modules, acquisitions modules. Let a
thousand flowers bloom.
As Bernie mentioned, the key to the implementation of these ideas are
the same keys that are taking place elsewhere on the 'Net. You need
resources such as time and energy. You need shared engineering
principles (read, standards and protocols). You need people with a
wide variety of skills and who have established a modicum of
interpersonal relationships. These people include: visionaries,
leaders, administrators, programmers, subject specialists, resource
allocators, graphic designers, usability experts, writers, people-
people, etc. These resources, engineering principles, and people
exist in Library Land, and it does not really take very many of them
to make a difference.
A positive, can-do attitude is the next step.
--
Eric Lease Morgan
University Libraries of Notre Dame
(574) 631-8604
Received on Thu Jan 03 2008 - 18:45:36 EST