Thing #16

On Library 2.0 and Web 2.0

I really like the definition given by Tom Storey in the OCLC newsletter piece, "Where will the next generation Web take libraries?"

He says, "In Web 2.0, the Web becomes the center of a new digital lifestyle that changes our culture and touches every aspect of our lives. The Web moves from simply being sites and search engines to a shared network space that drives work, research, education, entertainment and social activities—essentially everything people do."

This really sums it up for me since I'm a heavy web user both personally and at work. Some may call it an addiction, but really I view it as a super useful tool where the possibilities are endless. Knowing where to find information and how to use that information is powerful. Need directions to a restaurant? Check. Need a recipe for dinner? Check. Need opinions from other librarians about a resource? Check. What can't you find?

The problem is how to effectively put web 2.0 to use without getting overwhelmed by the latest thing and making things too overwhelming for the varied demographics you serve.

Library 2.0 to me, at least, means always looking for and considering new ways to help your users, whoever they may be. It's being aware of who your users are and where they spend time online or where they spend it if they aren't heavy users of the Internet and web 2.0 (or why they don't use the Internet). It's about providing ever-evolving content and services and having users be engaged with those services in a way that is easy for them to use and convenient for their lifestyle while not sacrificing quality.

I read most of the pieces and each made me think. Here's some random thoughts, mostly for my own use later.

Anderson's Icebergs: I agree we need to put our services in the daily patterns of our users. If they check Facebook first thing in the morning, then we should be there with some type of message for them.
I disagree with him about there being less of a need to teach research skills. Until there is a computer and Internet access available for every person and each person desires to use it and learn about it, there is always going to be a learning curve that exists for some users. Instead of tossing these tools out at them, someone needs to help them adjust. Eliminating barriers to access isn't enough. Even the simplest designed tools can be problematic for an inexperienced user depending on their interest level, generation, socioeconomic background, etc.

Stephens' Into a new world of librarianship
His statement about projects existing in "perpetual beta" is a fantastic concept. The web isn't static and any projects involving it in any way can't ever be "finished".

Reimers' To Better Bibliographic Services
How cool would it be to have geographic names in subject headings as a way to browse by using a map. I'm obsessed with places. I "google map" any town or city I come across that I've never heard of.

Schultz's To a Temporary place in Time
Commodity-Product-Service-Experience
I think a lot of librarians can take comfort in her opinion that experts will be needed to help people make sense out of the new information explosion that results from web 2.0 and library 2.0 So many people worry about losing their brick and mortar job as more and more goes online. I like her vision that library 4.0 will transcend the "technohustle". Really, that's harnessing the power of information to simplify our lives, which I don't think is a place we are at right now.

Also, the "Debased" piece brings up an interesting point about tagging. Social niches could easily start to "control" tagging and preferences. If an active specific group overwhelming tags library resources, their thoughts could over influence the larger population by skewing the "top tag" lists. This particular niche could drown out other groups. Individuals may only look at what is "top" and not try to find the resources that are best suited for them.