What Nothing Says

1. Weinberger writes about context as both explicit and implicit, p. 150: what are some examples of both explicit and implicit contextual messages found in libraries?

When thinking about explicit information in libraries, I immediately visualize the signs on the end of the stacks that direct me to the proper Dewey Decimal classification range for the topic that I seek.  These pointers are my signposts on the road to information access, once I have successfully navigated the OPAC and found my numerical destination in the form of a DDC call number.  Concerning the OPAC, I am implicitly directed to it by the row of computers being accessed by library patrons.  In my experience, the OPAC is not usually labeled as such.  It is expected that the library patron will know that to access the catalog, it is necessary to do this via the online tools represented by this bank of computers.  If signage does exist, it is often not helpful to the new patron, if the signage refers to the catchy name of the catalog, such as LOLA or MARVEL.  If one needs help, where should one turn?  Explicitly, I am directed to the Information Desk or the Reference Desk by way of signage.  Implicitly, I am occasionally discouraged by the reference desk environment, consisting of an imposing desk occupied by someone that already appears to be overworked.  Depending on my information need, I may persevere and ask for help, or I may leave without finding the information I seek.

2. In the section “Mapping the Implicit”, Weinberger quotes the GIS director at Rand-McNally that “we’re targeting maps for specific audiences” (p. 158). Adapt the sentence to read for librarians as “we’re targeting information products for specific audiences”. Think about your past experience and education and how to combine it with an MLIS degree to create information products for specific audiences. What products would you create, what audiences would you target, what would be your niche?

My niche has always been in the public library forum.  I would create better products for identification and participation in the selection of fiction.  Without a third party product, such as Goodreads or NoveList, the most difficult reference question can be "Help me find something good to read."  There needs to be a better way for the novel seeker to get recommendations based on what they have previously read and enjoyed, without making it a full time job for the fiction lover. I know these tools exist outside of the library, but I think that libraries are missing an opportunity to be a part of that conversation.  By drawing their fiction audience into the library's domain, we not only become a part of the process, but we also now have created the ability to collect more data that will inform our selection process.  If we could overlay the Netflix model with the OPAC, where by simply rating books that have been read creates a database that will spawn future recommended readings, we can better serve our users and respond rapidly to their needs.

3. After reading the section “What Isn’t Said” with the four points about how the Web might overcome the volume of information to make useful connections, think about Kevin Kelly’s point about having to be transparent in order to benefit from The One. How has your position on transparency and information sharing changed over the past few weeks of this course?

Referring to my Netlix model for tracking fiction in the previous question, I can say that this idea would have many critics in public libraries because it involves tracking patron reading habits, which potentially compromises patron privacy.  However, our world is changing.  The younger generations do not value their privacy as my mother's generation (and my generation for that matter) has.  Most younger library patrons would opt out of the privacy option if the application could recommend good books and also alert readers to the fact that one has already read a book.  Additionally, the more data collected, the better the application would be at providing spot on recommendations.   My position on transparency and information sharing has changed quite a bit over the last few years.  When I reflect, it seems somewhat evolutionary, in that I cannot pinpoint a moment in time when I suddenly stopped worrying as much about privacy.  The course has simply reaffirmed beliefs that have been in the making.