Because my entries have skewed so tech-heavy as of late, it’s always a pleasure to shift gears, even if the shift is not always comfortable. This recent blog post from veteran library activist Rory Litwin is a firm, and not-so-gentle, reminder that there are other dynamics in play besides Library 2.0, and that we shouldn’t forget them.
This is kind of a strange admission for an organization’s “2.0 librarian” (however merely nominal that title is at this point), but I really struggle to balance all the different responsibilities I currently bear. As I surf through the blogosphere, I don’t see any other 2.0 folk having the same struggles, or, at least, not admitting them. Perhaps this is because they are all 2.0, all the time, while I am wearing about as many hats as Bartholomew Cubbins.
That’s not a complaint; I wouldn’t trade the variety of tasks I currently perform for anything in the world (except, perhaps, the chance to work here). I do have a few questions, though:
1) If you are your organization’s “2.0 librarian,” is that all you do? Or are you responsible for desk time, committee service, etc.?
2) How do you personally balance your organization’s competing needs?
It’s important to focus on the positive, but that doesn’t necessarily mean sweeping the negative under the rug. What elements of contemporary library service do you find challenging, and how do you cope?
Don said,
January 10, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Boy, are you ever right about working in research at the Baseball Hall of Fame. “Back in the day” before all this nasty web stuff, I had occasion to call them and they were fantastic. I’ve referred many people there and had the pleasure to visit a number of years back. They were just as pleasant and helpful in person as on the phone. Dream job! Don