Why?

As a tech novice, I feel I have a huge learning curve ahead of me.

I think I'm getting a better understanding of web 2.0 tools but it is the mindset of the web 2.0 user that I'm trying to understand. I think this is the key to embracing web 2.0 technology with relevance.

The idea that the library has to be "there", ie everywhere the user is, to be relevant to the user, at first seemed a gross over reach of the library role.

My immediate response is "why?".

It appears that this is because kids are always "connected". To friends, to networks, to technology. The space they operate in is an open space, where input from "trusted" sources is always welcome and/or solicited and where they are constantly inputting their take on life. Getting/giving opinions, feedback, recommendations, ideas, reviews, and comments. It is a sharing space. Connectivity, community, engagement and interplay of ideas are welcomed and indeed actively pursued. I see lots of positive outcomes from such a world.

Hence, the library needs to be operating in this space to connect/engage the user and also be relevant to them. Not much good advertising on a billboard on the highway if everyone is using public transport.

But is education just about giving the user what they want or is it also about giving them what they need. Who decides need .........?

My thoughts run to this. The Web 2.0 world provides more active involvement of kids -which has to be better than the passive involvement of TV/listening to teacher talk. However, does this amount of "engagement", of doing, necessitated by the web 2.0 mindset, make more foreign to kids the concept of being?

Being in the moment, as the be-er (it's interesting that there is no such noun!), seems rather absent. Where there are no labels, nothing to do ie review, report, comment, advise, input, share,play, seek, critique, interact or any other verb that seems to so readily attune with the "social networked", there is space.

Space, not to be filled, or used - but to be.

PS I have the feeling that my posts might appear quaint, even to me. They are certainly not very literary. I find it hard to really think deeply about something and yet cross reference, cite and provide links, at the same time. One seems to work in a different headspace to the other. I don't think it's a web 2.0 headspace.

PPS Maybe schools should provide daily meditation sessions - and teach kids a skill that is beneficial to everyone but seems even more necessary for a web 2.0 mind. And philosophy, to encourage deep thinking and to get kids not just to ponder how, when, where and what ( to review, report, comment, advise, input, share,play, seek, critique, interact), but also why?