Discovery Exercise #15 On Library 2.0 & Web 2.0

I thought "Away from the 'icebegs'" was a good discussion of the "radical, fundamental change" that's coming. I agree with what Rick Anderson said about "just in case" collections, but as we enter the "post-print era" this concept will disappear by itself. I agree with the idea of keeping library systems easy to use, but I think training is still worthwhile because some of what users are accessing comes from outside the library.
To me Library 2.0 suggests the next version of libraries. I think we are starting the most basic changes to occur since libraries began. There are two powerful forces that will shape Library 2.0:
1.The change from providing access to materials under one roof to providing instant access to materials worldwide.
2.The change from books printed on paper to some form of electronic book, what Rick Anderson refers to as the "post-print era."
If people can access information and download books from their homes, I wonder if people will come to the library at all. I think, though, that there's still a place for contact in person. As the volume and complexity of information increase, people will need more help, not less, and at least some of this help might be better provided in person. Our library has a really impressive website. It's not just another website; it's truly a gateway to the world. This amazing technology is a means to an end. It's the same end we've always had: a combination of service, helping and connecting people and books (in whatever form they will take). As long as we keep these fundamental values, there will always be a public library.