Thing Two

The concept of Library 2.0 and its application to my profession is a lot to think about.

First, I want to say again how much I value the opportunity to play with these tools. I agree with Stephen Abram when he says that we must spend time with these applications because we are "experienced based" learners. I know all the readings in the world cannot take the place of my experiencing these tools while thinking about their real life applications.

That said, I must admit that Rick Anderson's comment in "Web 2.0: Where will the next generation Web take libraries?" a bit intimidating. His supposition that users want everything is most definitely believable. I cannot, however, figure how I might be able to help provide such an all encompassing service at an acceptable level. All things to all people in all formats using the tools currently available seems like a tall order to me. Worth striving for, I am sure, but attainable, I am not convinced.

Even though intimidated by the call, I am excited about the variety of ways I can now make information available to our users. More avenues for discovery increases chances the information will be discovered, if we as librarians must be very clear and very intentional as we and our patrons create "virtual trails" or maps to the most needed, much wanted resources. Great applications if used thoughtfully and intentionally. As with most tools, the values lies in a person's ability to use it.

Last, I was reminded of the success we as a library have already had using some of the Web 2.0 tools available. By taking to heart Rick Anderson's advice and "placing library services and content in the user’s preferred environment (i.e., the Web)" we have seen an increase in attendance to our library's discussions and social events. Advertising on Facebook yields far greater results than any poster ever could.

All said, my big "take home" message is the importance of constant re-evaluation. In such a volatile information landscape I must 1. continually ask myself what the library is and 2. stay abreast of the technological advances that can and will help me fulfill the library's purpose.