Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

I have been reading a few of blogs and the news postings about the devastation of the bridge in Minneapolis the other day. I frequently have commented on this blog about the news and information sources that have literally changed the way we learn about events.

I recently commented on how Wiki's are a source of information for disasters such as the airplane crash in Brazil and now a Wiki has been created about the bridge disaster. Another way of sharing information is through the camera lens. The photo above is just one of over a thousand pictures that have been posted on Flickr since the other day. Many photographs are amazing and show the devastation and impact of the bridge collapse.

We often talk about how the internet and technology has made an impact on our lives and the world we live in. It is hard to imagine just 15+ years ago the internet was not part of our daily lives. We did not have access to these photos and sites like Flickr did not exist- much less TV or print news online. We would have to rely on TV news footage and the newspaper to see these pictures- most still in black and white!

What about people around the world that do not have access to the internet or television or newspapers? How do they see the world?

Random Thoughts

Scanning the library universe, I came across an interview with David Lee King on the website degreetutor.com. The Future of Librarians Interview is an interesting read. When King was asked why libraries are still important?, he said the following:

"We are still one of the few social places one can gather, tell stories, and create stories. People will always be attracted to that type of space. And, of course, we have free stuff".

King made an interesting point. What really stands out in his answer is the comment about libraries being "social places". Much has been on the library radar about the new social web part of our lives such as Flickr, Youtube, Second Life, etc. etc.

Blinging it with Social Life

It is difficult to keep up with this new surge in social software or new and exciting applications that make your online social experience easier.. Bringing everyone up to speed can be a challenge. Larger library systems have attempted to provide staff with the opportunity to learn about Library 2.0 via self-paced online tutorials. It is beneficial and I highly recommend that everyone take the time to spend a few weeks to learn about blogging, wiki's and MySpace, etc. etc. I would not be here right now writing this post had it not been for those free library tutorials!