Week 6 - Thing 15

Library 2.0 means something different to everyone. When I first heard about it, I thought it was just using Web 2.0 tools in the library environment. My opinion on this has since changed. I have now come to think of Library 2.0 as something different. It is librarians reaching out to members of the community to help them find information. Prior to the widespread use of the Internet, librarians would wait for patrons to come to them because eventually they would. However, now that the Internet is almost available in every household, this can no longer be the case. Many patrons view the library as no longer necessary. Librarians must make it known that we are more necessary than ever to help our patrons sort through the information overload that comes with the Internet. We can no longer sit by and wait for patrons to come to us, we must advertise and go to them. This can be done through Web 2.0 tools, by marketing, or by simply approaching patrons when in the library. Library 2.0 is not just a technology thing, it is an attitude that librarians must learn to use.

I decided to respond to the perspective of Michael Stephens in his article "Into a new world of librarianship". In this article he talks about what the Librarian 2.0 should be. He goes on to explain the the librarian 2.0 will find the proper tools to meet the needs of patrons and also to reach out to patrons. This person will not buy tools just for the sake of having them. Instead the librarian will purchase tools that will provide a wealth of information and also tools that will appeal to patrons. This person will make good decisions that will appeal to users and will be an expert in these technologies. I thought this was a very good point of view. Once librarians start to realize the wealth of technology is available, they may feel the need to subscribe to everything. I think it is important to recognize a few great tools that will reach patrons and meet their needs rather than a large amount of average tools that will not do a great job. It is important to be knowledgeable of technology purchases and follow through with the tools. Library 2.0 is on the rise and I think it is going to improve how libraries function and reach out to patrons.