Week Six: Thing # 15

I particularly enjoyed reading the article about Library 2.0 in Wikipedia which gave a succinct definition and a brief overview of exactly where the phrase originated. With Library 2.0, library services are able to be frequently evaluated and updated to meet the changing needs of library users. The discussion about the future of OPACs is very exciting. Students seem to enjoy using OPACs more than the traditional card catalogs. Indeed, students at my school have probably never seen a card catalog!

I contend that the ideas presented using Web 2.0 are not necessarily new – it is the methods of delivery that will foster and promote the services and library materials available to the library patron. There are many excellent ideas and applications available – let’s use them – we have a new generation of library users, let’s give them a new generation of library service.

Part Two: Library 2.0 - It's many things to many people. What does it mean to you? What does it mean for school libraries?

According to Wikipedia, Library 2.0 is a loosely defined model for a modernized form of library service that reflects a transition within the library world in the way that services are delivered to users.

Librarians need to constantly update and reevaluate the best way to serve library users. Students at high schools love their computers. What better way to market and promote library resources than by using on-line services, wikis, blogs, and other Web 2.0 devices. I am in the midst of organizing a wiki for the juniors taking APEL at my high school. They are about to undertake the writing of their Junior Paper – a main focus of their second semester work. These students need to know about the print materials the library has, the e-books which are available, the online databases which would render them good service. I’ll go through these resources with the classes when they come to the library but I’m hoping the wiki will provide them with additional backing. Any student feedback will be useful to me as to how I can better serve them next time.