This one question rattles my brain on a daily basis. How does one be “cutting-edge” when it seems like everyone is always beating everyone to the punch?! Let’s start by taking a look at the definition of “cutting edge.”
“Position of greatest advancement or importance; the forefront”
via Freedictionary.com
Layman’s terms: Being on the forefront or the leader of change(s)–no matter how big or small. As for being cutting-edge, it a can be a difficult task. A way to start on your path of being cutting-edge, I suppose, is that it’s not so much about being cutting-edge, but being willing to just embrace whatever it is that’s new and just run with it. Take chances. Start small and it could take off into something huge. Over the last couple of years one thing I’ve learned (and LOVED) about librarians is that they’re not afraid to embrace change and make whatever it is new into something of their own. I’m not solely talking about librarians newer to the profession, but seasoned vets that have had years of experience learning and reaching out to where the users are.
Quick example:
When all of these social media platforms (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Flickr, LinkedIn, etc…) started appearing some of the first people or organizations starting to explore these online havens were librarians. We’ve learned that we need to go where are patrons are, and that we need to learn how to use these tools to help teach those that come through our doors how to use them. If they’re on Facebook, we’re on Facebook. If they’re on Twitter, we’re tweeting right along with them. By making this connection with our users, being on their level (a more social level), it makes it easier to build some sort of relationship with them and have them not be “afraid” to come to the library for research help or advice.
Ok, maybe a not so quick example, but with all of that said, I guess the only thing I’ve come up with is just DO. Be brave enough to take a chance on something that you think can really help and get the ball rolling or even take something that has already been done and make it all your own. A remix, for that matter. Using something that has already established, but in new ways. If the world is going in that direction (whatever “that” is), something may spark in your brain, which can then turn into something new, something “cutting-edge.”
Maybe, after all, that’s the answer to my question. Taking the all too familiar term “remix” and using it to create cutting-edge things. I know everyone wants to be original and that there are more things that need to be created, but sticking with what already exists and making it better; that sounds like a good start to me. I think we all tend to think in terms of BIG when the term “cutting-edge” is used. So many big places are doing things that some of us can only dream of doing, but all of these things start with small ideas. Starting small and making it big. Maybe even starting with a blog! 
In conclusion, my answer is: I don’t know how to be cutting-edge when everyone else is beating me to the punch. I wish I did, but for now I’m just going to be open to whatever new and cutting-edge thing emerges in the next 10 seconds. One way to get some good ideas is to check out the list of this year’s Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers 2011. I will warn you now, if you haven’t already checked out this list, all of these people will make you tired just thinking about all of the amazing work they’ve done. I commend them on all of their hard-work, because all of them have inspired me to keep continuing on with making changes for the better.
What do you think about the label “cutting edge”? Comment below. I look forward to reading everyone’s comments on this topic.
Musical Influence: Adele “21″ (I’m still stuck on this CD!)
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Look at you with your shiny blog posts! I’m impressed. As for cutting-edge-material, well, I’m not sure I know what it takes either. You gave some great food for thought, though. I think you are on the right track that sometimes you have to start small. Whether its starting a blog or starting a MLIS program (my books are staring at me as I sit here thinking, what did I get myself into?!
), the important thing is that these are steps in a new direction. And if we keep making those small steps here and there, then we’re not standing still anymore, right?
Plus, I think it also takes perspective. While what one may be doing may not be “mover and shakers” material, it could be ground breaking stuff in the world they currently function in. I mean, I doubt these mover and shakers were visited by the Library Fairy over night and just transformed into a the librarian wonders that they are with a flick of a wand. (Wouldn’t that be really cool though?? Totally wish I had a Library Fairy.) I’m sure it all began with one small step in a new direction. I guess its up to us to keep on making steps.
That, or just think of the AA catchphrase… Fake it until you make it!
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