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SAN JUAN ISLAND LIBRARY |
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Library 2.0
A buzz phrase in the new world of libraries, "Library 2.0" speaks to the ways in which libraries have adapted in recent years to new technologies and begun to use those technologies to develop and promote library services. Virtually every new technology you can think of, I'm sure there's a library somewhere using it to promote or enhance their services. The founding principles of the "library 2.0" philosophy hold that change is constant rather than cyclical and rigidity results in failure. Some would argue that libraries have always adapted new technologies to their use - going all the way back to the printing press at least - and I would agree. The main difference now is that developments in technology are coming much faster. Libraries (and businesses and individuals) are having to adapt to constant change as a fact of life at speeds I don't think anyone has had to since the industrial revolution. Twenty years ago, I never could have imagined half the stuff that has been developed: the web, blogs, chat, itty-bitty mobile phones that are also entire record collections, computers, internet, cameras... Laura wrote recently about personal "tech-NOs", so as a fairly serious "tech-YES" myself (I have blogs, a wiki, Flickr, Second Life, YouTube, Facebook, iPod, laptop, high-speed internet at home...) I thought I'd ask about the other side of the equation - with a twist. I've seen libraries use a YouTube video to teach users how to use the library. Some libraries have entire "Second Life" virtual branches. Many have "live" - virtual reference service where you can log-in through a "chat" service and type your question back and forth with a librarian no matter where you are. Many more have blogs and Flickr and other online social networking accounts. Virtually all have a web page and an online public access catalogue. So what are your *library* tech-NOs and tech-YESs? Do you use Library Elf)? Do you use the library web page? What do you think about "virtual" libraries? Library blogs? Library themed YouTube videos? Virtual reference? And for any of you reading this, wondering what language I'm typing in and curious about any of it, come on in to the library and ask for "Shannan, the tech-YES librarian" - I'll give you a tour through some of these fascinating techie-tools. Or, you know, I could find you a book about them too, because as tech-YES as I am, books still hold their solid place in my heart - and always will. As many pieces of technology I have at home, I can assure you, I have WAY more books.
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