LIBR 246-04/13 Web 2.0 (Fall 2010)

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Library 2.0

I see Library 2.0 as the various tools that make a library pertinent to its patrons, whether they are students, faculty or the public (among other constituents). I was a bit surprised to read that physical spaces and programs partly constitute Library 2.0 – but then it made sense (and made me happy) after I thought about it. So, for this blog, I want to write about both technological and physical aspects of Library 2.0.

I spent last semester working as an intern in the library of the college where I generally teach. I found a lot of disconnect between what is available and what gets used. On the one hand, students use the facility a lot for studying, using computers, meeting in small groups and, frankly, napping on the comfortable couches upstairs. They do not look for books (except books on reserve); make much use of the reference services, the archives or the journals; or even access the databases for information. Sigh.

At the same time, faculty don’t avail themselves of library services, either, so it’s no surprise that students don’t. When the administration wanted to implement Information Literacy as a small required component of the comp and research class, a lot of faculty pushed back hard (however, it is now required).

So, perhaps in academic libraries, 2.0 should involve marketing and developing services for faculty and students, based on what the patrons need and will use as opposed to what academic librarians feel is traditional. Some examples might include specialized course research sets; research services for faculty writing books and/or articles; discipline-specific information literacy training; pedagogical or discipline-specific wikis; social networking tools… the list is varied.

As for physical spaces in visions of Library 2.0, I have to move from discussing academic to public libraries. Our local branch library (part of a fantastic county-wide library system) is being remodeled – well, completely re-done. The original library was housed in an old fire station that had been repurposed; it was very small, but also one of the busiest branches (I think the county’s fantastic electronic innovation really helped drive business: we couldn’t always find what we wanted on the shelves, but could order it for free from other branches).

The new library – which will open late 2011 – is going to be joined to a recreation center with a gym, a community meeting room, senior resources, and a café. There will be a movie room, a huge kids’ area, more computer space, etc. This, to me, seems a perfect example of Library 2.0: great physical space, a deep and extensive collection, plus cutting edge technology.