A Philosophy for Staying Current: Rather Than Trying New Tactics to Adapt to Change, Consider Embracing New Attitudes and Aptitudes That Will Make You Excited about Change

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I recently turned 58, and now I am looking mortality square in the face. Well, not really. I don't think about mortality or retirement much, despite having had a few life-threatening experiences. I try to keep what is commonly called a youthful outlook--which, luckily, has very little to do with chronological age and much to do with being open to new or different ideas and experiences.

I've found that many librarians have similar positive and flexible outlooks, which is understandable given our constant need to adapt to changing professional norms and methods. I love that about our profession. We rock!

This brings me to the theme of this issue of Information Outlook--the e-book revolution. This is another in a very long line of revolutions that have had an impact on librarianship, including the Internet, the Web, online databases, and mobile technologies.

How do we get off the revolution roller coaster and develop a culture of flexibility, adaptability, engagement and excitement about change? Roller coasters are a model of contradictions--danger, excitement, risk, ups and downs, fun and fear--much like the overall environment we find ourselves in today. At my age, I've been for a few rides through our changing world.

Change is the new normal, so dealing with every new shift as if it were a revolution seems like a haphazard strategy. Are there some personal philosophies, attitudes and aptitudes that, when adopted into our professional and organizational cultures, will allow us to more easily and successfully enjoy the ride?

Most "top 10" lists about staying current offer tried and …