Journal Article #1
Jennifer S.

Johnson, Doug. Library Media Specialists 2.0. Library Media Connection; Apr/May2006, Vol. 24 Issue 7: 98.

Doug Johnson is the director of Media and Technology at a school in Mankato Minnesota and has published several books about technology and education. His article titled Library Media Specialists 2.0 focuses on the recent change in technology, specifically the web, and what Library Media Specialists/Teachers need to know and do in order to serve their patrons.

Johnson notes that “the information experience is moving from mass media (few producers of information communicating with a large number of consumers) to personal media (many producers of information communicating with a more individualized group of consumers)” (Johnson 98). He claims that in order for library media specialists to remain information experts they will need to master this new media. He quickly defines web blogs, wikis, and RSS feeds. The six areas listed below are what Johnson believes LMTs need to consider in order to serve their Web 2.0 students.

1. This new media allows for new ways to communicate with students/patrons. Johnson suggests taking a look at librarian Frances Harris’s Gargoyles Loose in the Library blog at www.uni.uiuc.edu/library/blog/

2. A new question regarding sources is posed; what exactly is an authoritative source and how does one evaluate them?

3. Due to the ease of posting information new safety concerns arise. Librarians need to take measures to ensure students are taking their privacy seriously.

4, Because technology and information have become nearly synonymous is there a need for new information and technology literacy standards?

5. RSS feeds make it easier to read only the writings of those beliefs similar to our own. How are LMTs going to ensure the exposure of a diversity of ideas?

6. It is imperative that LMTs seek out this opportunity for professional growth. Johnson suggests reading and responding to the following blogs:
Alice Yucht’s Alice in Infoland at http://aliceinfo.squarespace.com/blog/
Joyce Valenza’s NeverEnding Search at http://joycevalenza.com/
Kathy Schrock’s Kaffeeklatsch at http://kathyschrock.blogspot.com/
Diane Chen’s Deep Thinking at http://deepthinking.blogsome.com/


I actually receive this magazine (Library Media Connection) and enjoy reading it (when I have time). I found this article interesting and motivating because he writes specifically for Library Media Teachers/Specialists. I looked at every blog he listed in his article and found some more useful than the others. I recommend Joyce Valenza’s website (and specially her blog at http://joycevalenza.edublogs.org/ ) as well as Kathy Schrock’s blog. Frances Harris’s Gargoyles Loose in the Library is a great example of a blog for a high school’s library media center.

Besides finding valuable blogs in his article, I found that his ideas were food for thought. As an LMT it is my responsibility to teach my patrons how to use this new “personal media” while keeping their privacy in tact. I also think it imperative that I share my knowledge with my faculty as well. It looks as though I have more to add to my LMT plate for the fall.