Reinventing reference 3: keynote by michael stephens

Michael Stephens was the first speaker in RUSA’s Reinventing Reference 3 preconference. It was great to see him speak–he’s very dynamic and engaging. He gave us an excellent basic introduction to web 2.0, how it is affecting libraries everywhere and why we should be involved.Takeaways:Libraries must evolve, let go of control and be visible. Evolve: your reference desk must not be a fortress. Let go of control: Don’t ban technologies such as cell phones because they are technology; ban the “bad behavior” that can result. Ask your users to be courteous, respect the space. Be visible: set up shop with a laptop where your users are: in the dining halls, in the coffee shops. The librarian can be “In” wherever there is free wifi.the hyperlinked library has open & honest conversations, is transparent about planning services (and everything else), and speaks in a human voice.Adopt a 2.0 philosophy:Drop the culture of “perfect” and develop a culture of “experiment and play.”…from top to bottomTrust your users. Trust each other.Learn from the gamers: if you make a mistake, back up and try againIdeas:Advocate having a “Laptop Librarian” in dining halls, the Technology Commons, the IT helpdesk and in dorms.Create a library podcast tour – done by students.Create a subject guide wiki.Teach liaisons how to use RSS tools in databases and journals and advocate adding these feeds to department websites.Look into text messaging for reference.Add the meebo widget to OUR CATALOG! labelled “Live Help! 8a – 11p”Look at McMaster U’s Emerging Technology group blogBuild a reference portal on NetVibesStay away from “Death by Risk AversionHave our architects build the Studio space in SecondLife and have staff and users explore and give feedback.Coolness. Now, on to David Ward’s IM presentation. I’ll edit this later to add links. (Source: Chronicles of Bean)