Thing 15: the future of libraries and library 2.0

I liked the "Away from Icebergs" perspective most. Libraries are definitely a changing place. If they are to continue to be used, they must change as technology advances and consumer demands change. Libraries have always used new technology, lots of technology has even been invented for libraries. He is right on about user education, it is already happening and libraries are not sufficiently staffed to do it well. I agree that libraries are increasingly trying to draw people in by offering a variety of technology and by marketing materials and providing things not traditionally related to libraries. For example, we already carry Motley Crue's "Lewd, Crued, and Tattooed" DVD (and video). I have a hard time with the "just in case" collection because while I believe electronic versions of things are sometimes useful and practical, books are just better to read. Staring at computer screens causes vision problems, posture problems, can trigger vertigo, and uses increasingly expensive electricity. I still think nothing beats finding good books while browsing or looking for a particular title.