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.
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2 comments:
"Library customers will be able to leave their own reviews on the latest book"???
I'm yet to see a concrete example of where librarians are actually willing to let go of control and hand it over to the user in this way.
If you find one, though, I'd love to know!
M
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