Exercise 10 - Library 2.0

Hmm. Very good! I'm putting my hand up to be a Librarian 2.0! I am a great believer in getting technology to do the work for you - and I like tinkering with toys. If we can get technology to do something for us, better, faster and for longer - then why not?

Each successive generation is more technology capable than the last. Children in primary schools are already becoming fluent in Web 2.0. Its important that libraries keep pace with this.

We emphasise alot, about children's literacy and encouraging them to read. Ensuring that we use tools that can bridge the gap in our communications and encouragement with them, is half the battle.

We may mourn, as one of the online articles did, about the number of circulation items decreasing. Less books and magazines required etc . . .

This means that libraries have to move with the time, to deliver what patrons want. More and more patrons want to be able to download audio books onto their iPods/MP3 or 4 players. They want to be able to listen while they are on the move. They want to be able to download electronic books to the same media. Much easier to carry around a small player than it is a hefty book.

Smartphones are putting together the cellphone and the players. How handy is that? One device instead of two or more. You can download articles or have RSS feeds going direct to your phone.

So are libraries endangered? I don't think so. I think our focus is changing. Its not just about books. Its about information. The services that we can and do provide, and the services that we will provide is ever-changing and it will be a real challenge ensuring that we respond to it "Just in time".