Based on your examination of the resources above and your own research, define what you believe to be the essential knowledge, skills, and attributes of an information professional in a Web 2.0 world. Write up your definition as a post (of no more than 350 words) in your OLJ.
If you’re a fan of T.V or Netflix and the time-travel genre, then you may have watched the Netflix original series called Dark. Without spoiling too much of the series, one of the characters travels forwards in time and visits her local library for information gathering and is shocked at how much things are changed. I particularly loved this scene because it showcased how libraries have evolved from the stereotype of being dank, lifeless shelves full of angry librarians shushing members, to a diverse and modern space where access to information and collaboration is encouraged (Medlen, 2018).
Looks a little Dark for that dramatic effect. But here is our time traveler in the future! Source: Library | Dark Wiki | Fandom)
This evolution of the library has not only changed its role in society but changed the role of the librarian, hence librarian 2.0 (Huvila et al., 2013). So, what is a librarian 2.0? And what do you think makes a good one? Well, I can’t speak for you, but I can certainly give my own take. A librarian 2.0 is a librarian who embraces Web 2.0 (websites and applications that allow users to create, share online information and material) (The University of Melbourne, 2008, p. 1) they also assist in collating information without judgement and assist the public in accessing that information through their library. As libraries have adapted to become spaces for information gathering through access to computers, open learning spaces and printing, librarians must also adapt the way, in my opinion, they approach the role (Wenborn, 2018).
As stated in an article by Simon Burton through online searcher, in 2019. The article highlights a poll done by survey monkey in which LIS professionals list the new skills necessary to be successful in the role. The skills that polled the highest percentage amongst the consensus are below:
- Information management and information literacy.
- Customer service focus, understanding your user stakeholders needs.
- Digital literacy, being familiar with data-related tech.
- And being able to have the perspective to see the bigger picture
- (Burton, 2019)
If I’m honest, while I agree with all of the above. This is all purely conjecture on my part. I won’t know if these skills are necessary to be a librarian 2.0 until I actually attain the role. I will, however, keep these skills in the forefront of my mind as I continue to study, working towards my goal of one day being a librarian in a public library and being able to call myself a librarian 2.0.
References
Burton, S. (2019). Future Skills for the LIS Profession. Online Searcher, 40(2). https://www.infotoday.com/OnlineSearcher/Articles/Features/Future-Skills-for-the-LIS-Profession-130296.shtml
Huvila, I., Holmberg, K., Kronqvist-Berg, M., Nivakoski, O., Wid’en, G. (2013). What is Librarian 2.0 – New competencies or interactive relations? A library professional viewpoint. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 45(3) 198-205. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000613477122
Medlen, P. (2018). The role of public libraries changing to meet digital world’s requirements. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-25/the-future-of-public-libraries/9481540
The University of Melbourne. (2008). Wikis, Blogs & Web 2.0 technology. https://copyright.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/1773830/wikisblogsweb2blue.pdf
Wenborn, C. (2018, April 11). How Technology Is Changing the Future of Libraries. The Wiley Network. https://www.wiley.com/network/librarians/library-impact/how-technology-is-changing-the-future-of-libraries