Comments for 21st Century Library Blog

Comment on Being “The Library” Again by bringyournoise

bringyournoise — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:24:12 +0000

I think the problem may be a lack of visionary leadership in some cases, but not all. I was fortunate enough to get my MSLS on a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian scholarship. Roughly 25 of us across Pennsylvania were part of the same online cohort. We became a tight-knit group. Quite a few of these students had already been library directors for years, many at small, rural libraries. I learned as much, if not more, from them about librarianship than I did in any one academic class. While these directors could exercise their vision within the context of our online classroom, they did not have the luxury of doing so in real life. In many cases, they were a one-man show, or nearly so, at their small libraries. They did everything, including building and grounds maintenance. Their realities (and sometimes their boards) forced them to be practical more often than visionary even though they clearly had vision. I see the same thing in my own system. Many small libraries that are important to their communities are simply struggling to exist day to day. It’s probably hard to be a visionary when you’re raking leaves or fixing plumbing. And too often in this profession thought leaders are simply cast as those who can think but not do. Since I’m not on the front lines, I try to be cognizant of these realities as much as possible especially when my vision doesn’t seem to be in line with what may actually be possible.

Comment on Digital Natives Want ‘More’ From Their Public Libraries by Digital Natives Want ‘More’ From Their Public Libraries « Bibliolearn

Digital Natives Want ‘More’ From Their Public Libraries « Bibliolearn — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:30:17 +0000

[...] that collected feedback on “Perceptions of Idaho’s Digital Natives on Public Libraries“.Via 21stcenturylibrary.com Like this:LikeBe the first to like this [...]

Comment on Millennials & the NEW American Dream by Dr. Steve Matthews

Dr. Steve Matthews — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:14:04 +0000

I didn’t and never would disrespect Rock ‘n Roll. I was commenting on what the parents of that generation thought, just like the parents of virtually every generation think about youngsters. And, it was the “Age of Aquarius” that tried to teach people about love not war by their example of “free love” – another movement that older adults were no doubt displeased with.