Hi folks,
Worrying and thinking about school librarian obsolescence has engaged me for
many years. This is from the article "Are Libraries (and Librarians) Heading
Toward Extinction?" Teacher-Librarian, Dec 2003
http://www.doug-johnson.com/dougwri/extinct.html
___________
There are a great number of physical businesses and institutions that might
have felt just as threatened by the publicıs increased use of the Internet:
book stores, travel agents, public libraries, and banks, just to name a few.
Even virtual schools are now taking the place of brick and mortar buildings
for many students. Just how are the savvier among these institutions
escaping being replaced by the Internet?
1. By providing a physical comfort that the Internet does not.
I still buy books and spend time at our local Barnes & Noble bookstore
because I like having coffee there, sitting in the comfy chairs, and
handling physical books. I still buy more books there than I do online.
2. By providing expertise an Internet user may not have.
My travel agent knows more about vacation destinations than I do - or am
willing to take the time to research and read about on the Internet. She can
find better fares under some circumstances than I am able to. And she has
the time to the time to look for ³deals² that I donıt have.
3. By providing "high touch" experiences to offset the "high tech"
environments.
John Naisbitt in his early '80's book Megatrends that predicted that the
more people use isolating technologies, the greater they will need avenues
for face-to-face human interaction and socialization. This is why I still
like going to the public library to read the paper sometimes instead of
reading it online- I see and meet people there. Internet usage is lonely -
even for the chronic chatters, I'm guessing.
4. By recognizing and using the Internet to compliment one's mission.
I still value my bank down on Hickory Street even though I check my
miserable account balances online, have my paltry paycheck direct deposited,
visit impersonal instant tellers to get cash, and pay my horrendous bills
electronically. I don't go in the physical building much anymore, but I use
their banking services more than ever. I don't see the Internet displacing
Wells-Fargo anytime soon.
Let's take just these four ways in which our physical existence may be
superior to or enhanced by the virtual experience and think about how we in
school libraries can capitalize on these qualities rather than try to
compete head-to-head with the Internet. (Darwin called this adaptation and
recognized successful species were good at it.) (continued...)
___________
I have absolutely no doubt at all that many individual librarians will
become obsolete because they can't change, adapt, grow - or simply prefer
not to. But the profession of librarian itself won't become obsolete - but
very, very different.
Oh, see the quote in my signature line. Sorta apt.
All the very best,
Doug
Doug Johnson
Director of Media and Technology
Mankato Area Public Schools
Box 8713, 1351 S Riverfront Dr.
Mankato MN 56001-8714
Phone: 507-387-7698 x 473
E-mail: dougj@doug-johnson.com
Web: www.doug-johnson.com
Blue Skunk Blog: http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/
Become the thing that replaces you. - Kathy Sierra
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