This week (and next) we are looking at the topic of collaboration in libraries and archives. One question we are asked to consider is “Is collaboration important in the information fields? And why?” My answer would be a very solid “YES!” because I am not sure that most information professionals or organization would be able to function without it. We are also extremely luckily because many social media tools are allowing for easier and broader collaboration.
The main reason that I think that collaboration is important is because I don’t think that it would be possible to do a very good job without the help of others, especially when someone has first entered the profession. I am always in awe of the knowledge that older librarians at my work posses. However, it has often taken them twenty to thirty years to gather that knowledge of a collection and subject area. I once had a science and business librarian tell me that it took her ten years to feel totally proficient in those subject areas. Now social media tools offer us an easy ability to share information with our co-workers. Collaboration software can help staff spread and disseminate knowledge to staff and patrons through out a work site, branch or library system, possibly even to other organizations. As John Russell discusses a staff wiki could gather subject guides in one easily accessible place, create an reference manual that is accessible and can be easily edited, or be used as a project management tool for committee and working groups.
I also think that collaboration is important because it may help prevent technology overload. It can be overwhelming to have to go out and learn about the newest technologies, software, etc. If information professionals collaborate and make information available to each other it will help make the learning process easier and create a more knowledgeable community.
Overall, I think that collaboration comes easily to information professionals because in general they really like to share what they know with others, co-workers or patrons and now there is software that is supporting this process quite nicely.