This post this morning, Neither far out nor in deep.at blyberg.net really caught my imagination. It discusses the insecurities brought on by the “Library2.0” technologies and what we may encounter as we ride the wave. Experimentation, sustainability, popularity of services, relinquishing control, coping with outside influences are all touched on. Articulates some of the things I’ve been feeling, but unable to put into words.

The Library, as an institution, has touched its edge to the currents of a new technology. As a result, it’s spawned what seems to be a rather pronounced, and disruptive eddy in the course of events that is all-things-library. But, as with all eddys in a larger river, the edge is constantly shifting, temporary and insecure. And yes, libraries are feeling a little insecure, right now.

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, is it? Insecurity? Severe cases can hinder and even cripple, but when you blend in other qualities, such as courage, vision, passion, and experimentation, the result can be something quite disruptive and impressive in its own right. What strikes me about the Library 2.0 movement is that it is born from, and exists in, a constant state of insecurity. The form it has taken, however, is far from insecure.

So what does that mean for Library 2.0, and why is it important? Insecurity is an indication of risk, which is something we should all tolerate a little of. There is no guarantee that the work we put in to adapting 2.0-related ideas will have a net positive effect on our organizations and so the willingness to experiment on our production environments becomes a necessary aspect of L2. That, of course, is terrifying.

….[read on]