Library 2.0 & Web 2.0 - Lesson 16

I recall a recent conversation with a patron and she made the comment, "I thought libraries were meant to be quiet places?" She had not been to the library for a while and from her accent I concluded that she was either from America or Canada. I also perceived that she didn't really approve of the changes she was observing, hence the comment. I told her that we had recently had an inspirational Librarian, Rivkah Sass, from Omaha library who informed us that their philosophy and direction for the year 2020 and beyond was to incorporate IT in their libraries to meet the needs of the new generation of library users.

It was at this talk that I first heard the terminlogy "Web 2.0" and "Library Thing." My ears pricked up and when I heard that we were going to get training in Web 2.0 I was excited. I agree with the concept of Library 2.0 because I believe that if we don't keep up with technology and provide what our community needs in terms of e-mail and internet access, then our libraries may become relics of a bygone era. The internet has changed the way the world communicates, whether we like it or not. I support the notion that libraries need to "keep up" with IT rather than "opt out." Just as the education sector has had to adjust the way it teaches to incorporate technology, so libraries also have to "add value" to is traditional services, so that we can continue to be a place of learning - through the provision of hard material (books/C.D's/D.V.D's) and e-resources. I am pleased to see that in the recent re-design of our Website that under the teen section we now have electronic databases available for stundets to access. See attached link:

http://www.manukau-libraries.govt.nz/e-resources/

According to Wikipaedia, the concept of Library 2.0 comes from the underlying philosophies from that of Business 2.0 and Web 2.0, and includes online services such as the use of OPAC systems. With Library 2.0, library services are constantly updated and reevaluated to best serve library users. Library 2.0 also attempts to harness the library user in the design and implementation of library services by encouraging feedback and participation. Proponents of this concept expect that ultimately the Library 2.0 model for service will replace traditional, one-directional service offerings that have characterized libraries for centuries. Basically it springboards libraries into the modern IT age.

Jesus Freak

What I did this week...

Well, it is a busy month.... I have got to get Web 2.0 completed so I can be in to win! Deadlines, even though most of us don't like them, are good for us all because if we didn't have deadlines, we would not achieve half of the worthwhile things we should get done and need to get done so we can maximise the opportunites that are available! If you fall behind you are busy thinking about "trying to catch up." I like the phrase "Carpe Diem" which was explored in the movie, "Dead Poets Society," which means "sieze the day." It's a powerful statement and a good "mission statement" to adopt, because every day has new challenges and new opportunities to learn something new or meet someone new! As a librarian, there are opportunities everyday to support our customers so they can achieve their goals, meet their deadlines or assist them in the challenges they are facing in life. It is a rewarding experience when you have a successful Reader's Advisory transaction, for example! You leave a positive impression with that customer and, hopefully, they will tell others that libraries are a great place to go and the staff are fantastic!

On another tangent, I have been conducting some staff PDR's and each time I have asked, "How is your Web 2.o training going?" Sad to say, there are a few that have fallen behind, with one thing and another. We have re-set the timeframe for them for end of December!

I am still trying to find some people on the social networking sites that I can communicate with. It's a little difficult on some of the sites as they have to see you as a "friend." If they don't know that you "want to be their friend, then you can't communicate with them? I guess it's like e-mail, unless your "friend" gives you their e-mail address you can communicate with them either, unless they have listed their e-mail address in the white pages or it is published somewhere in the public domain.

My focus for the next month will be preparing for "Best Sellers" training. In Lesson 4 we explore the excellent e-resources that are available to assist library staff with Readers Advisory transactions. We have looked at "Library Thing" with our Web 2.0 training but there are lots of other excellent sites too, apart from "Fabulous Fiction" or GALE "What do I read next" that most librarians may currently refer to. I can't share too much, because you will discover these great websites when you undertake your training in the next 12 months!

Well, I'd better sign off now so I can move on to the next challenge!

Jesus Freak