Resistance Is Futile...Or Is It? Week 6, #15

I just read a news blurb (thanks, Bloglines!) reporting that, as of yesterday, Best Buy will no longer sell analog televisions. In preparation for the big switch to digital on February 18, 2009 (when broadcasters will stop transmitting analog signals) consumers can only purchase digital - flat screen or HD - TV's from Best Buy. No more rabbit ears. In other words, get with the program people! This brought to mind a conversation I had with a co-worker about blogging, computers and technology. This particular person...oh heck, let's call him "Vincent"...is not only reluctant to enter the modernization of the information era, he's got his feet planted firmly on both sides of the door frame daring someone to push him in. "Vincent," I said, "You know that resistance is futile." "Oh no it's not." he replied calmly. Gotta respect the guy's commitment to the status quo.

The articles on Library 2.0 were all very interesting and I couldn't agree more with A Librarian's 2.0 Manifesto. I think it's shortsighted (and perhaps a tad trigger happy) to propose to do away with what we've always known libraries to be, but if we don't adapt to what it's fast becoming, we are in danger of going the way of the VCR or the 8-Track tape...or the analog TV. Obsolete-a-ville. While "Vincent" remains unconvinced, our customers are plunging into the unknown - some more timidly than others - but plunging, nevertheless. Today I helped an elderly gentleman, who had just been diagnosed with cancer, look up information regarding his condition on the internet.....for the first time. He actually said to me, "Now when you say 'click on it,' what do you mean?" I was glad I was able to help him. It's important that, as library employees, we're informed enough to help ease the transition for our patrons. Like it or not, ALL of us will have to embrace change willingly or else find ourselves assimilated without our permission. The cube is calling.