Library 2.0: Great or Evil?

Library 2.0 overall is a going to be a wonderful thing. It will bring libraries into the 21st century! To give a little back story, Library 2.0 evolved from Web 2.0. Web 2.0 is all about open source, social software and virtual networking. You maybe familiar with Blogs, Wikis, MySpace and Podcasting, these all fall under Web 2.0. Libraries are taking these ideas and bringing it to the customers. I really liked the definition of Library 2.0 found on the blog 11 reasons why Library 2.0 exists and matters, which was a re-quote taken from Sarah Houghton's blog, basically saying Library 2.0 makes your virtual library’s space interactive, collaborative and catering more to your community needs.

There are wonderful things I'm going to love about Library 2.0. One is the interactive aspect. Library customers will be able to leave their own reviews on the latest book, CD or movie they just read, listened to or saw. Any person with Internet access can go on Amazon to read reviews from some stranger, but I think it carries more weight when they see a review from someone in their own community. Teens can blog with each other about the latest video game or CD on the libraries site from their home or any other computer with Internet access. Presently teens who want to blog need to go to the library and have the teen librarian give them access. Tweens can write up their own "If you liked this read this..." or "What to read next..." lists. Children maybe more willing to read if they hear about these from children instead of crazy librarians. It is all about the word of mouth. It can only boost circulation! We all know what Oprah's books did.

Integrating OPACs will also be amazing. ILL can be a laborious task, but if the customer in NJ sees that the book they want is in PA they can request it immediately. I never thought about this until I read about it in one of Blyberg's blogs, but uniting libraries we can compete against monsters like Google and Amazon.

Challenges that libraries will cross are more internal and primarily only hellish to the IT departments. Granting customers access to make changes, comments and reviews on the library's site can be problematic. Viruses and security can become more of an issue. I do not think the changes will be extremely expensive, but there will be expenses nonetheless. Libraries pride themselves with being better than other libraries, better services, programs more borrowing materials. They will be reluctant to share and combine forces.

I say that for those against Library 2.0 or thinks that Library 2.0 is a passing phase better wake-up! It will happen! It is happening! And those dragging their feet will be left behind with the card catalog.

Oh the woes of blogging!

I know you can all empathize with me when I tell you my blogging woes.
I just spent an hour and half writing about my thought on Web 2.0 and Library 2.0. As I was double checking my spellcheck I hit something and the blogged disappeared. I then spent 15 minutes trying to find it, but alas it is gone to the virtual graveyard. Even if this has never happened to you on a blog, but it has happened to you when writing a paper or sending an email. What have I learned from this sad situation? You can do either one of two things:
1) Write it and save it in Word. Then copy and paste it!
2) Write it in blogger, but save as draft often!
Do you want to know about my views on Library 2.0? Well, you must wait till tomorrow, I'm going to bed!

Tech Challenge Update

I have been lapsed on reporting my tech challenge journey. Sorry! Let me tell you how much I love Bloglines. For those who do not know, Bloglines allows you to keep track of all your favorite Blogs, Podcasts, news and RSS feeds! I use Bloglines to save lots of time. When I log-on Bloglines tells me which of my blogs have new feeds. Bloglines is extremely helpful because now instead of spending a half an hour going from blog to blog, CNN and TV Without Pity and other feed sites, I just go to Bloglines and it's all there. Bloglines helps me keep track with the professional blogs as well, like ALA and YALSA.

RSS feeds basically is a syndicated format for news and blogs sites. That is where it started, but RSS feeds can be found on many different sites now, like library sites. Libraries use and can use RSS to promote upcoming programs, performers, book sales and author visits. They can also be used to tell library customers about changes in policies, fine dues and other happenings at the library. Camden County Library System in South NJ has a RSS feed on their site. I have subscribed to it on my Bloglines.

Last but not least is Del.icio.us! I chose Del.icio.us because it's delicious, but I'm so glad I chose it. Del.icio.us is your travelling Bookmark/Favorites/Bloglines all in one and you can share it. Del.icio.us has been a lifesaver! At work I use at least 4 different computers. I can access Del.icio.us at any of them plus my own laptop without losing any information. Say you are planning a big program like Harry Potter's Birthday with your co-workers. You can tag the site and have the other members of your group access it from their home and/or work computers. They can add to it, make comments or delete the sites that wouldn't be useful. It would also be great if are writing an article on say Library 2.0 with another person who lives in Texas. You can mark the articles you find or sites that would aid in the research. For me I'm planning a Star Wars 30th Birthday Celebration for the children at the library. I just tagged sites that would be helpful. Instead of emailing them, which took time and eats up mailbox space. I can also travel with my favorite sites so I don't spend time looking for them at each computer I use. A few of the Student Assistants saw I was using it and were wowed. I told them about it and they said they were going to get an account.