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.

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