IL2006 Day 1: Synergy for Better Services: IT and Library Cultures
Posted on October 24, 2006
Filed Under Technology Planning |
Kathryn Deiss - Content Strategist, ACRL
Matt Gullett, Technology Education Librarian, PLCMC
New technologies are changing possibilities and roles for both IT and library cultures and for library customers.
The players/actors: IT, Librarians, Customers…
Gave some definitions of organizational culture
Discussed definition of “we” - sometimes it’s IT, sometimes it’s MLS holders. It needs to be both!
Historic common ground - IT and library cultures share:
- desire to do the right thing
- intention to create security and integrity of systems, networks, etc
- concern for stability of systems and services created
- hard work to develop services for others
Tension (especially the emerging environment):
- disruption is the norm (external environment)
- customer create their own solutions (web 2.0)
- diverging cultures
Discussed a study comparing Dunkin Donuts vs Starbucks customers… they are very different!
Peculiarities of each group:
- mls - focused on process and discussion
- IT - closed in their approach to sharing info for specific reasons - not because of mal-intent or evil motive
quick discussion of the terms user/customer/patron/public…
Perceptions of the customer:
- library - the customer as primarily using physical product and services
- IT view
IT sees librarians:
- underestimating the complexity of technoligies
- undervaluing the expertise of the highly knowledgeable technologist
Librarians see IT as: - over-complicating the easily accomplished; controlling the reins of technology to maintain power and sovereignty
Meanwhile, customers are inventing thier own environments - authority leaping, boundary leaping, learning-oriented
Ripe times for synergy - IT and Librarians need to work together…
Creating the “”new” is fun AND critical!
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