Library Society of the World

When was the last time you heard of a group forming, creating an international presence (and an international following), having salable products, and launching its own award? Never?

Well, in early 2007, a group of geographically dispersed information professionals -- frustrated with their professional organizations -- decided to start their own ad hoc "society" using web 2.0 tools. The group -- Library Society of the World (LSW) -- which now has well over 500 members, uses a blog, web site, wiki, instant messenger (Meebo room), Twitter, LinkedIn, FriendFeed, and Facebook for keeping in touch. What? All of those tools? Are they nuts? Well, maybe! But the truth is that each tool has a different use. For example, Twitter, FriendFeed and instant messenger are used for quick, real-time communications while LinkedIn and Facebook are used for staying connected to other members long-term. The blog, wiki and web site are communal information repositories.

Salable products? Yes. In 2008, the group created salable on CafePress and people are buying its products.

Also in 2008, the group thought seriously about Library Journal's Movers & Shakers Award and wonder "what about the rest of us?" Were there others that have done noteworthy work and who should be recognized? They felt that the answer was "yes" which led them to announce their own Shovers & Makers Award in 2009. (The words shovers and makers are a take off on movers and shakers.) People can become a Shover & Maker by declare themselves that they are. To go along with the idea of shovers and makers, the LSW has created a t-shirt which anyone can buy (whether or not you've declared yourself a S&M on the web site).

I don't know how many other "organizations" have sprung because of the Internet and created a bit of a phenomenon. Spreading like virus (wouldn't Seth Godin be happy!). Hopefully, the LSW is not unique. Will the LSW be everlasting? Well, we could as the same about any group. It is likely that how the LSW is organized will change over time as well as its membership. Undoubtedly, many of those in the LSW will continue to be friends and to have an impact on librarianship. And in them, the LSW will continue to live.

By the way, I declared myself a Shover & Maker on March 27 (Shoving forward to make each moment count). If you're a librarian, you may want to also accept the award. It only takes a few minutes to do.