Library 2.0 models
Read the following paper - 'Library 2.0: service for the next-generation library'. This paper is available at http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6365200.html?q=Library+2%2E0. The paper discusses how Web 2.0 type ideas and technologies might be applied within libraries. In a posting of about 600 words can you outline some of the elements of the model that the authors describe as Library 2.0 (focus on the model rather than the technologies)?
The elements that make up Library 2.0 are not new. The concepts have always been around but with the advent of new technology it is now much easier to implement these ideas. Library 2.0 is not only about technology. Technology enables us to implement some of these changes easier but it is not essential for the implementation of Library 2.0. The basis of Library 2.0 is user participation. It is the bringing together of library users (and hopefully non users) and the sharing of the knowledge of these people. This can either be virtually or physically. In fact, the more this is done the better it is. With no participation, feedback, or sharing amongst the library users, and library staff, there would be no Library 2.0.
With the advent of Library 2.0 library users are able to customize library services to their own personal requirements, either online through their customization of the libraries’ home page to their own requirements, or physically through book talks or reader groups. (Casey, Savastinuk, 2006). A library blog on the libraries website is a good way to integrate both these services. Readers like to know what other readers are reading, and through the library blog can leave book reviews, read others reviews and recommendations, and generally feel part of the library community in a way not as easily done in the past. It is an excellent opportunity for library staff to harness the knowledge of their library users and let the library users create their own space. Social networking sites such as facebook can be utilized to expose library details, as a forum for members, (or non members), to ask questions of library staff, leave reviews and to advertise events, amongst other things. Many libraries have trouble reaching young people. A large percentage of young people use social networking sites, so this is a good way of taking the library to them, rather than expecting them to come to the library. It also has the advantage of exposing the library to people who may never have considered using its services.
Ask a Librarian is a classic example of providing traditional reference services but in a Library 2.0 world. People are able to access a librarian in real time, via a chat messaging platform and ask for assistance finding information. This librarian may be on the other side of the country but they will be able to chat via typed message, and the customer receives the help they need without ever having to leave their home. This is the use of technology library users need, and want. People of today are time poor and expect access to information when they need it.
Library 2.0 is all about giving the customers want they want, almost to the point where we are letting them create it. It is finding out which services the customers want, how they want it and when. It is about evaluating these services constantly and thinking outside the square. Libraries of today can no longer “set and forget”. They must be constantly listening to their customers needs, keeping themselves aware of trends, and keeping up to date with services other libraries are providing. Libraries need to ensure they look at their services with a fresh set of eyes, thinking about the services already available and how they could be improved to become available to more people.
Ask a Librarian: http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/services/ask/ Retrieved: 21st August 2008
Casey, M. & Savastinuk, L., 2006, Library 2.0 : Service for the next generation. Library Journal. Retrieved August 20th from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6365200.html?q=Library+2%2E0
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/. Retrieved 21st August 2008
Read the following paper - 'Library 2.0: service for the next-generation library'. This paper is available at http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6365200.html?q=Library+2%2E0. The paper discusses how Web 2.0 type ideas and technologies might be applied within libraries. In a posting of about 600 words can you outline some of the elements of the model that the authors describe as Library 2.0 (focus on the model rather than the technologies)?
The elements that make up Library 2.0 are not new. The concepts have always been around but with the advent of new technology it is now much easier to implement these ideas. Library 2.0 is not only about technology. Technology enables us to implement some of these changes easier but it is not essential for the implementation of Library 2.0. The basis of Library 2.0 is user participation. It is the bringing together of library users (and hopefully non users) and the sharing of the knowledge of these people. This can either be virtually or physically. In fact, the more this is done the better it is. With no participation, feedback, or sharing amongst the library users, and library staff, there would be no Library 2.0.
With the advent of Library 2.0 library users are able to customize library services to their own personal requirements, either online through their customization of the libraries’ home page to their own requirements, or physically through book talks or reader groups. (Casey, Savastinuk, 2006). A library blog on the libraries website is a good way to integrate both these services. Readers like to know what other readers are reading, and through the library blog can leave book reviews, read others reviews and recommendations, and generally feel part of the library community in a way not as easily done in the past. It is an excellent opportunity for library staff to harness the knowledge of their library users and let the library users create their own space. Social networking sites such as facebook can be utilized to expose library details, as a forum for members, (or non members), to ask questions of library staff, leave reviews and to advertise events, amongst other things. Many libraries have trouble reaching young people. A large percentage of young people use social networking sites, so this is a good way of taking the library to them, rather than expecting them to come to the library. It also has the advantage of exposing the library to people who may never have considered using its services.
Ask a Librarian is a classic example of providing traditional reference services but in a Library 2.0 world. People are able to access a librarian in real time, via a chat messaging platform and ask for assistance finding information. This librarian may be on the other side of the country but they will be able to chat via typed message, and the customer receives the help they need without ever having to leave their home. This is the use of technology library users need, and want. People of today are time poor and expect access to information when they need it.
Library 2.0 is all about giving the customers want they want, almost to the point where we are letting them create it. It is finding out which services the customers want, how they want it and when. It is about evaluating these services constantly and thinking outside the square. Libraries of today can no longer “set and forget”. They must be constantly listening to their customers needs, keeping themselves aware of trends, and keeping up to date with services other libraries are providing. Libraries need to ensure they look at their services with a fresh set of eyes, thinking about the services already available and how they could be improved to become available to more people.
Ask a Librarian: http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/services/ask/ Retrieved: 21st August 2008
Casey, M. & Savastinuk, L., 2006, Library 2.0 : Service for the next generation. Library Journal. Retrieved August 20th from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6365200.html?q=Library+2%2E0
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/. Retrieved 21st August 2008
