Download PDF of Library 2.0 Guide

A quick look through this blog indicates that teens and technology is a hot topic. I find that the consistent occurrence of technology-themed writings justifies an attempt to define the library 2.0 movement in relation to teens. I will attempt a definition by gathering a variety of writings I have posted on blogs and course discussion boards. If you have a class with me this semester, or if you have read my blog, some of this is going to sound familiar.

What is Library 2.0?

Library 2.0, in its most practical and focused expression, is about using new web technologies to connect and establish relationships with patrons. Web 2.0 is a term coined to describe the emerging Internet technologies. Hence the birth of the phrase “Library 2.0″ to describe use of these new web applications within library systems.

Examining the concept of web 2.0 helps us understand what the Library 2.0 movement entails. Wikipedia says that web 2.0 is the “second phase of development of the World Wide Web”. Examples of these new wave applications include blogging, social bookmarking, podcasting, and photo sharing communities. What’s fascinating about many of these technologies, is that they promote the grassroots sharing of information. Through these technologies, we are able to look to our peers and community members for ideas, facts, visions, art, and opinions. We no longer have to rely on big publishers, news corporations, and successful artists and writers to provide us with our information and entertainment needs.

Libraries can tap into the social aspect of these new Internet programs to gain patron involvement and support. For example, a blog allows patrons to comment on library services, programs, news, and announcements and can build a digital community on the library’s web site. Additionally, as more and more patrons begin using web 2.0 technologies, libraries should use these tools to connect with patrons.

The social information tools of Web 2.0 are indeed “information driven”. If patrons are using these new information sharing tools, then libraries arguably have a responsibility to understand and embrace these new technologies, and to package traditional library services within these new formats. Examples of repackaging might include the use of Instant Messaging to provide virtual reference service, or the use of podcasts to inform patrons of library programs and events. Through use of these applications, we can essentially bring “libraries to the people”, to our digital patrons!

Many see Library 2.0 as a second phase of library services related to any program, idea, or vision that improves patron services. This broad definition allows for talk about teen Dance Dance Revolution tournaments as part of the Library 2.0 movement. Fortunately, Library 2.0 is one of those terms that is truly defined by the perceptions and attitudes of individuals who discuss it. Therefore, I am at liberty to see Library 2.0 in terms of connecting patrons with technology, and I find that this view allows me to see the concept in a practical and focused way.

How can we use Library 2.0 ?

One of the ways that libraries can provide rich content is to establish digital communities where patrons can get involved with the library web site. For example, a small-town library might establish a wiki where users contribute to the local history of the town. Patrons can get involved with the library blog by providing content about their library experiences. Blogs, wikis, flickrs , podcasts , and vodcasts are just some of the web 2.0 technologies that libraries might use to involve patrons with the library web site.

Another way to address the information needs of future patrons is to think of public libraries as being not only information resources, but sources of entertainment. Think of feature films, manga , DVDs, audio CDs, graphic novels, and popular fiction. Why not extend this idea of entertainment services to the library web site, and offer web services that aren’t strictly informational, but also entertaining? Expecting the library to create entertaining podcasts or vodcasts might be pushing it too far, but what if the adult services librarian collected podcasts links for the library web site, or perhaps the teen services web site can host links to teen-created podcasts on the net?

Why should libraries establish a digital patron base?

The teens of today are the adults of tomorrow. Some of these teens are involved with podcasts, blogging, social bookmarking, and other forms of web 2.0 media. Furthermore, most teens, regardless of their web 2.0 involvement, consume video games, music, film, and TV, and this media consumption will translate over to podcats, vodcasts, and blogs when the new web tools increase in popularity.

Right now libraries are in an “opportunistic” age. The new web technologies are just now catching on, but the interest in these applications is growing every day. If libraries jump at the opportunity to add patron involvement to their web sites with these technologies, they will be ahead of the game, and ready for the adults of tomorrow.

Wait, not all teens use the Internet!

I think it’s safe to say that not all teens are involved with web 2.0 technologies. It is, however, safe to say that 87% of teens ages 12 to 18 are online, and as the numbers grow, libraries need to find ways to meet the digital needs of the new, technology-competent, media-addicted generation.

Library 2.0 is a way of targeting this patron group.

What about the digital divide?

Okay, so what about the digital divide? What about patrons who refuse to go online? What about families that can’t afford computers? I’m not sure that web 2.0 technologies threaten to take away the services to these types of patrons. I see the library’s involvement with web 2.0 technologies as a type of niche marketing that will develop, as time goes on, into needs-based services as more and more people become digital citizens and technology gets cheaper for the underserved to use. I don’t think libraries should replace their regular services with these digital programs, but should instead, add theses services to the existing array of patron programs.

What about the time and resources involved?

Many blogs and articles about library 2.0 fail to mention the time involved in creating a podcast or other web 2.0 technologies. Not only does it take time to create digital content, it can be frustrating and cumbersome to learn the new technology. Libraries should be practical in their approach to Library 2.0. A measurement of the community should be completed before a library jumps into spending time, effort, and money into developing emerging web technologies.

However, if a library can get involved with web 2.0 without expending an abundance of time and resources, it wouldn’t hurt to get started!

Let’s embrace technology, but be practical!

Related Documents

Technology Posts on the Alt. Teen Services Blog

Library 2.0 Services for Teens, a list of examples