Library 101 is the brainchild of Michael Porter and David Lee King, launched last week (Oct. 28). The site urges librarians to keep current with emerging technology in order to remain relevant. The site includes a (very long) music video starring Michael and David, with lyrics such as:
Now for generations libraries have been at freedom’s core.
But now technology is making huge leaps and we must do more.
There’s a cry for emerging tools that help us evolve.
And without that we might die, man this must be solved!
Library 101 Music Video
It also includes 23 essays on Library 101 by some of the most well known people in Libraryland.
The biggest thing, though, is their link filled list of 101 RTK (Resources and Things to Know). Included in the list are skills that have been vital to librarians since long before the Internet, like creativity, a love of lifelong learning, and people skills.
Next the list covers present day libraries, with necessary skills such as time management and long range planning, along with a long list of computer skills and Web 2.0 tools. The authors emphasize that everybody working in the library should be able to perform basic computer troubleshooting, help patrons connect to the library’s wi-fi, and perform simple functions on both PCs and Macs.
Librarians should also know how to use Facebook, Twitter, IM, and Google Docs, as well as Skype, Hulu, and Brightkite. We must know how to decipher text messages, record podcasts, make videos, write blogs, and create dynamic presentations. We’re also expected to be experts on the privacy policies of social networking sites, and help patrons debunk myths and avoid online scams. And of course, we have to look to the future, and be ready for new technologies and changing markets.
What? You mean you don’t know how to create a mashup with Google maps? Never downloaded an app to an iPhone? No idea what ‘cu@ da bar 4 pza 2nite’ means? That’s okay. Every one of the resources and things to know on the list includes a link to a site with more information.
I thought that the provided list was excellent, and while I’m familiar with many of the 101, I hope to work my way through the rest of the list. There are a few things missing, however. There are no resources on copyright, for one. Given how frequently the topic arises, it’d be nice to see information about current copyright law, fair use guidelines, and creative commons licenses, as well as DRM and why most audiobook downloads won’t work on an iPod.
I also would have liked to see a greater emphasis on marketing libraries and library services. I think it’s wonderful to encourage librarians to learn to use all of the tools and resources on this list, but there’s not much point in it if people don’t know they can go to the library for help. All in all, though, Library 101 provides a fantastic selection of resources and a strong argument for keeping current with technological trends.
3 comments ↓
Disclaimer: it’s possible that I’m jaded because I just read and posted on “The Annoyed Librarian” and saw her views on the matter.
I don’t disagree that the list of 101 skills is helpful. My view is that the creators, on the other hand, could use a little work on numbers 64, 85, and 57 (ability to create a video, marketing and promotion, and learn to communicate well). When I was watching the video to put together my blog, I could hardly sit through it. It was cheesy and actually creepy with all the smiling people holding numbers. It was actually possible to envision myself watching it at a conference, rolling my eyes and complaining to the person sitting next to me. What makes the whole thing worse is that the creators actually have really good points, but they were totally lost on me because I was too distracted by the awful and ridiculous video (c’mon, shiny pants?). I’d like to say that at least the video got me thinking about their points, but I actually wasn’t able to think about them until I read your post and looked over the “lyrics” of the music video a second time. What I do like about the list of 101 skills is that it lays out the basics of what librarians need to know. Since I am a checklist and rubrics kind of person, I appreciate that logic. I also appreciate that the written lyrics of Library 101 underline and number the actual skills since it’s impossible to follow them in the video. In my opinion, I would say the creators get a B+ on content and a D- on presentation.
I definitely agree that the video was very cheesy and way too long, but I think the message behind it – that librarians need to make a greater effort to keep up with technology – was good.
When I was looking at the site I was mostly interested in the list of resources. I really liked the emphasis that everybody working in the library (or at least the librarians) should know about as many of the items on the list as possible. It’s no longer enough to have a few techno-savvy librarians on staff.
Oh jees I just watched the video…the horror! You can totally tell these guys are REM fans…Wow. Any way I agree with Stacy on the resources, I’m all about resources and free resources at that, thanks for posting this!!!
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