Library 2.0...

After reading through the articles and watching the video, I started thinking about how technology has changed just in my lifetime. When I was in high school, I didn't even know what the Internet was. It wasn't until college that I was introduced to it and I watched things progress from there. I now use it at home, for school, work and I have to admit it's nice having information at hand whenever you need it. I am trying to imagine how it feels to be someone like my grandmother (who does e-mail and surf the web now!) and have to adapt to all these changes.

A big part of Web 2.0 is collaboration, open access and the sharing of information. I see this on places like youtube.com or ehow.com where you can find a plethora of DIY tutorials. I also enjoy being able to communicate more frequently with my friends who are scattered all over this world. I remember writing letters to my 1st grade friend from India and although we still do handwritten letters, we have had the chance to send more e-mails and even IM each other in real time.

The world is constantly changing and it is something libraries must embrace to keep up with the times. I liked the article by Michael Stephens in which he said "This librarian does not buy technology for the sake of technology. “Techno-worship” does not exist here. Without a firm foundation in the mission and goals of the institution, new technologies are not implemented for the sake of coolness and status." We can find out what works best for our community and library. We can still have patrons come browse for a book in print, while a person downloads an audio book from home.

Now and in the future, libraries will be not only a place for tech savvy people. For those people caught in the digital divide, we will be able to give them access to the technology and guidance to learn. One example of this is that more job applications are done online only. If you do not have a computer or Internet access where do you go? If you have limited computer skills who will help you figure it out? Libraries should be a place that people feel comfortable going for help in these instances.

I am looking forward to gaining insight and ideas from my co-workers or how finding out more information on how Web 2.0 will influence a library circulation department.