Created Space
I completely agree with Liz in her post when she says that the greatest barrier to implementing social software is the fear of the unknown amongst administrators, the IT department, and even with our colleagues. I have heard so many stories from librarians about trying to work with their IT departments, unsuccessfully, due to a lack of knowledge about what the library is trying to accomplish. It is important to build bridges with people inside the IT department and include them in planning. Proposals are more effective when a tool can be demonstrated and the goals for implementation clearly articulated.
It does seem that there are many barriers to implementation, but that they can be overcome through good planning. It also helps when the culture of "learning and playing" is valued.
Parker Palmer wrote a book about teaching called, To Know as We are Known (1993). In it, he talks about creating space for learning. He argues that a learning space has three characteristics--openness, boundaries, and hospitality. Learning spaces should be open, free of both mental and physical clutter, with clearly defined purpose (and limits), and should also be welcoming.
One interesting statement Palmer makes about the concept of hospitality is that "a learning space needs to be hospitable not to make the learning painless, but to make the painful things possible" (p.74) such as making mistakes, or even failing.
Though Palmer is particularly addressing learning spaces in the context of teaching, I think that this kind of space should be cultivated in the context of learning new technology and tools. Librarians should feel like they can take risks and try new things in their work environments. I know that this kind of environment may be somewhat rare, but this is the kind of space where I want to work.
Palmer, P. (1993). To Know as We are Known: Education as Spiritual Journey. San Francisco: HarperColllins.
