Thoughts on Library 2.0

Before I read the assigned reading for this activity I jotted down some of my own thoughts about Library 2.0. Was I ever surprised when I read the second article by Michael Stephens which discussed "buying technology for the sake of technology" - which was one of the first thoughts I had written down.

It is extremely important for libraries to keep pace with what is happening in the world but before incorporating a new technology there needs to be proof that true efficiency or benefit will be gained. While an argument could be made that automation can create work rather than save it, (I'm thinking Unicorn here), we need to remember when (not so long ago) we couldn't even tell a patron what they had signed out on their card!

I do wonder what is being gained with all this social networking via Web 2.0 when many people are holding back using false names and fictitious personal information. We have just come through a time of developing stringent privacy and confidentiality laws and now we are being encouraged to let it all go and post our lives on the Internet. It takes some getting used to.

Being aware of what our patrons are involved in is important in order for us to provide good service at the Reference Desk, the Circulation Desk and through the materials we offer in the collection. It also affects how we deliver those services. We may personally choose not to read certain authors (I won't name the one we usually pick on) but it is important for us to keep up on what is available since she publishes at least 3 bestsellers a year. Similarily, whether we agree with certain computer applications or not, we need to be aware of what is out there and find a way to make it work for us and our patrons.