Inspirator

“I wouldn't be in librarianship if I couldn't combine so many of my passions,” explains Michael Casey, whose interests range from technology to photography. Casey's major passion, though, is reserved for improving library services. He coined the term Library 2.0, “a model for library service that encourages constant and purposeful change by inviting users to participate in the creation of both physical and virtual services.” The sometimes heated conversation around Library 2.0 has shaped and inspired others' thinking about library services and change.

Casey's blog, LibraryCrunch, has been a sounding board for his ideas about Library 2.0 and technology since September 2005; he also uses other Web 2.0 tools to highlight innovative ideas, programs, and services. “Never underestimate the power of blogs!” says Casey. LibraryCrunch prompted an invitation to Microsoft's SearchChamps in January 2006—and a book deal, too. Library leaders and presenters also picked up on Casey's Flickr photos of GCPL's “Rock the Shelves” summer 2005 event, which, like the AskGCPL instant messaging service Casey implemented, helped capture teens' attention.

Casey's coworkers recognize his passion and innovation. Dacula Branch manager Meg Wilson calls him “the kind of forward-thinking, big-picture-shaping, progressive leader the field requires to stay vital and viable in the future.”