Technology and Where it is taking us.

MMm well I am in library school and I am just a bit wary about my future. I attended a library forum today and the dean made a statement that stuck in my head: ” physical library collections will never grow like that once did.” That statement made me think about just how electronically oriented the modern day library has become.  He did reinforce the claim that research libraries will still be more than important to academic institutions. I don’t know anymore.  In my opinion jobs will j drastically change. I started out from a paraprofessional perspective as a copy cataloger. I would receive, on average, 500 books a day to verify and augment bibliographic records assigned to each monograph. Now the cataloging is being outsourced to vendors. Items come in with bibliographic records and even barcodes.  I think a lot of the cataloging (staff or professional is done for specific items and gift books).  Now one of my friends who use to be a librarian in main library has been moved to the school of social work.  Granted, I thought it was a natural progression since many colleges are requesting subject specific librarians. However, it makes me think about how technology may enhance the learning and information experience. But at the same time, it might put you literally out of job.  

I promise,  the next post, will be about the White Stripes Under the Northern White Lights