#22

One of the best ways I can think of to keep up with trends is to follow blogs or join mailing lists that deal with your specific area of librarianship (along with a few general interest ones as well). I don't think one can be expected to be always scouring for the latest trends and developments, but if a blog or mailing list makes getting news related to your field a part of your routine then it's not so much of a chore. I think it is important to also not overstuff yourself with input. If you get your information from every last resource available then nothing will stand out and you'll hardly be able to read for information, you'll only be able to skim in order to keep up. Knowing your limits and where the reach of your knowledge and expertise ends is something I'm not sure people consider too often.

I think it's also the responsibility of library administration to make sure their staff is getting periodic professional development related to web trends and tools. This could either be in the form of periodic required development during the work day, or making sure staff is aware of seminars, webinars, and classes that could be of use. Also, encouraging dialogue between staff members might be a good idea as well.

How to best keep up with all these changes is probably going to change as well. I don't think people who have been working in the profession for 15, 20+ years could have fully predicted the changes they've had to ride out and what they would have to do to keep abreast, but it seems like they've managed. As with so many other parts of doing a librarian's work, the ability and willingness to adapt will allow one to keep up with what needs to be kept up with.

I know I fully intend to keep up with things in whatever sort of position I land in. I would feel like I wasn't really completely doing my job if I was lax about it.