Library 2.0

Library 2.0 looks at how web 2.0 tools can be used by the library in providing services for the community. The technologies that are part of the second generation of web services called web 2.0 offer new services that invite the community to participate and provide feedback. Librarians can then modify library services to meet user needs as part of an ongoing evaluation.

On a personal level I find the application of web 2.0 tools in the library work environment a challenge. I am able to grasp the basic web 2.0 concepts and use these tools but find that I need to take some time to think of ideas to make the technology work effectively in a library context. Whilst knowledge of the modern technologies is essential in being successful with library 2.0 so too is awareness of the library community and its needs. Libraries need to consider serving the community at large, not just the familiar, regular users.

As I'm a reference librarian I've been considering how library 2.0 can be applied to reference services. Wikipedia, the online collaborative encyclopedia for example, is known and used by many librarians but should be checked against other web pages for validity in answering enquiries. This is due the fact that the public can edit Wikipedia entries.

In a university library context students can now access a vast majority of journal articles online via databases to which the university subscribes. Many public libraries also provide access to online databases. Whilst users may not need to be in the library to view some of the resources available they could still need a librarian's assistance with site navigation. In some instances this help can be obtained online as a virtual reference service assisting with distance education and travelling students. Library 2.0 is about making the information or service available immediately where ever the patron may be located.

At the reference desk when dealing with customers in person I have had the opportunity to broach the subject of web 2.0 tools. Just recently I was assisting a patron that was to give a professional talk. He wished to display a slide show of images as part of his presentation and wanted to know if he could use both images and software from the Internet to do this. I suggested that he develop an account with flickr and then during his presentation use the slide show option.

I think the library blog is relevant to our local residents but they don't provide much feedback at this point in the way of offering comments on the page. Perhaps the library staff should set the ball rolling and post a few comments as this might encourage others to add their thoughts? The library 2.0 revolution is relevant to our customers but many of them possibly aren't aware of how it operates or can benefit them. Social bookmarking and tagging using del.icio.us is useful to anyone who wants to save a collection of web pages for future reference and really, that's most of us. Students in particular would find this tool essential.

Completing training in web 2.0 is the first step to gaining awareness and through discussion with fellow colleagues more informed decisions can be made about how to apply these new technologies to our current library clientele.