I'm trying a new assignment in LIS768 this semester. One of my favorite things to do is read current technology-related or cultural books and apply the concepts to how libraries might adapt or tap into the trends. This semester we'll try it as a group.
Context Book Report: Students will read one book selected from a list provided in class and write a 200-300 word reflection relating the topic and focus of the book to libraries, technology and participatory service.
Below are the books I've selected. What would you add? What would you delete?
YES YES! Of course… Doctorow for sure. Please forgive!
Future Imperfect: Technology and Freedom in an Uncertain World, by David Friedman, new from Cambridge U Press.
Thanks for the quick response, Michael, much appreciated!
This is a nice list. How about 'The Cluetrain Manifesto' by Rick Levine?
OH YES! I use The Cluetrain Manifesto throughout my courses. I'll add it!
Pine, II, B. Joseph and Gilmore, James H. The Experience Economy Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 1999.
While it dates from 2001, Eric Raymond's, "The Cathedral & the Bazaar" helps to define the open source revolution that is finding converts in libraries of all sizes.
And while a little bit of a stretch, my students have loved reading "Feed" by M.T. Anderson, which fits very well with Clive Thompson's article in this week's NYT Magazine on digital intimacy and ambient awareness.
What about Taleb's the Black Swan? That one got some traction last year.
by W. Chan Kim, Rene?e Mauborgne.
I have not read it myself, but the ENTR 200 class here (Purdue University) reads both it and The Long Tail… you might see if your students are inspired to make the library into an uncontested space!
What about Surowiecki's The Wisdom of Crowds and Putnam's Bowling Alone?
I'd recommend "Cult of the Amateur" by Keen as well.
I am calling dibs on Zittrain.
Ok, looking a little more closely at the list, I'm not sure that the guy whose theories ruined Hillary Clinton's campaign should be given much credence.
David M. Levy's Scrolling Forward. It's a little older than some on the list, but is of high quality (in both prose and thought).
Surowiecki's Wisdom of Crowds for sure! Excellent list, Michael.
I agree with Melissa Dessent (10 Sep). I think that "Experience Economy" (1999) is superior than "Authencity" (2007). Although it updates a lot of information.
We're delighted that you chose to add "Born Digital" to your reading list! If any students in the course review BD and the review goes online somewhere we'd be happy to link to it in order to build a conversational bridge and enrich the dialogue on digital natives. Also: feel free to explore and contribute to the Digital Native wiki at: http://www.digitalnative.org.
I would add Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Other Dies by Chip & Dan Heath. A great text to get at the core of how libraries can market, technology, events, ideas etc. and make sure they are ingrained in their community.