LIS 9763

Over the course of this term, many students have blogged about the importance of performing user analysis and evaluating library functions to determine whether implementing various web 2.0 technologies would 1) improve performance/workflow and 2) be welcome/needed by users.  The sentiment "let's not adopt web 2.0 just because it's cool" has been repeated often.  I agree with this sentiment but in reading Kathy Sierra's article, I wonder where the line is drawn between smart/effective testing/evaluation/analysis and bureaucratic/innovation-destroying red tape?  I think it's smart to take a step back and reflect before taking a risk but how far can you take reflection before it kills creativity?  I don't have an answer to this.  Personally, I'm a pretty risk-adverse person, but I have a deep respect for those innovative souls who push the envelop and I believe new ideas should have a chance to flourish. 
 
The other theme that emerged from the readings is how web 2.0 technologies have transformed communication.  It seems like social software such as blogs and wikis allow for a more grassroots-type of communication that can stimulate productivity and create opportunities for criticism.  The technologies present a platform that encourages more open communication and collaboration.  They may help break down institutional silos, facilitate organizational transperancy, and help organizations really speak to their market.  Whether it is the technology itself or the values/characteristics we apply to these technologies, they do seem to encourage the sharing of ideas.  I think that's probably one of the most important outcomes of social software-it has increased sharing.  Is all this sharing necessarily postive or constructive?  No, but nothing ever is. 
 
Clay Shirky believes social software is something we're going to grow into, not grow out of.  As social software matures and becomes ingrained in our culture, perhaps it will develop the same "problems" current proponents of social software level against traditional media and be replaced by newer ICTs.  As a technology, social software is no more special than any of the previous technologies created by humans.  We shouldn't be afraid of it or put it on a pedestal.  Let's use it, learn from it, and then let it evolve to the next stage.