Thursday, April 17, 2008

On Library 2.0 and Web 2.0...

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Thing #15
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I read Web 2.0: Where will the next generation of the web it take libraries? by Tom Storey and then looked at Away from Icebergs by Rick Anderson and Into a new world of librarianship by Michael Stephens.

Anderson discusses three"potential disasters" for library's progress with Web 2.0:
  1. "The 'just in case' collection" (print resources that don't really seem to be needed but are there just in case someone may need it. He says we need to turn our attention instead to "digital collections of journals, books, blogs, podcasts, etc.")
  2. "Reliance on user education" (We should understand that thinking we can teach every patron how to be tech savvy is unrealistic: "[...] if our services can't be used without training, then it's the services that need to be fixed--not our patrons")
  3. "The 'come to us' model of library service" (Anderson points out how libraries no longer have the monopoly on information and that we have to come up with ways for users to use the library other than just physically visiting the library)

According to Michael Stephens, "the Library is human" and the most important qualities of Librarian 2.0 are:

  1. "Librarians 2.0 plans for their users" (Librarian is completely user centered and focuses on removing barriers for the patron)
  2. "Librarian 2.0 embraces Web 2.0 tools" (Librarian recognizes advantages of these technologies and connects with users online)
  3. "Librarian 2.0 controls technolust" (Technology decisions are based on what will be best for the user, not simply on what is new and cool)
  4. "Librarian 2.0 makes good, yet fast decisions" (Project plans made too far in advance are not conducive with 2.0 because things are changing all the time)
  5. "Librarian 2.0 is a trendspotter" (Librarian is always on the lookout for ways to improve service)
  6. "Librarian 2.0 gets content" (Librarian knows that the library's future depends on how patrons "access, consume, and create content")

Of equal importance is that "Librarian 2.0 also listens to staff and users when planning, tells the stories of successes and failures, learns from both, celebrates those successes, allows staff time to play and learn, and never stops dreaming about the best library services."

I think both of these authors make some great points and I agree with their comments. I am still developing my own concept of what Library 2.0 means to me but reading what others say on the topic is definitely helping to form my own definition.


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