originally: http://www.oclc.org/programs/publications/newsletters/abovethefold/2008-12-02.htm
In this issue:
BusinessWeek • November 21, 2008
Have you leveraged lately? John Hagel and John Seely Brown discuss the power of leveraging learning and capabilities to create economic value and promote innovation in good times and bad.
The concepts of capability leverage and learning leverage outlined here sound a lot like library cooperation and shared infrastructure if we took them seriously. (Michalko)
The Boston Globe • November 23, 2008
Beware of online research's "narrowing effect" on scholarship. The boom in online research is a double-edged sword. Yes, it's much easier to find information without leaving the comfort of your bedroom slippers, but it also "drives out diversity," says University of Chicago sociologist James Evans.
Although not everyone agrees with Evans, this article is a nice summary of current thinking about the repercussions of Internet consumption. (Michalko)
Poynter Online • November 21, 2008
Check out these rules to live by. These suggestions on how to thrive in the 21st century can be applied to a host of organizations outside journalism. Collaboration and partnering are obvious, but thoughts about reaching customers and reshaping the message also have relevance.
The author poses the question "What should happen now to maximize our chances of having robust journalism five years from now?" Substitute librarianship and the common responses he captures fit nicely. I particularly liked "Get over being jilted by the audience." (Michalko)
Harvard Business Publishing • November 19, 2008
The return of the editor. Okay, we all know about the Semantic Web and its promise of context-rich content, but the other defining trait of Web 3.0 will be a move toward specialized vertical niche content with a focus on high quality editorial talent. And that's a good thing.
Although this is written from an advertising perspective, the case the author makes for specialized, vertical niches is compelling and fits the library, archive and museum world well. (Michalko)
The New York Times • November 23, 2008
When two (or more) heads are better than one. New tools from Microsoft and other companies promote and enable collaborative search—a great way to tackle a complex problem or teach search methodology to students.
Well, I haven't tried the technology but I wouldn't be surprised to soon see reports on groups of librarians (or students) using it. (Michalko)