No. 15: A couple of thoughts on web2.0

It is a new future for us all in Web 2.0,and we will be left behind if we do not embrace it. We do need to acknowledge the integrity of our service while looking at what is on offer now for the library, both small and large, for the 21st century. I am showing my age, but for a librarian who had to learn the correct layout for catalogue cards, this time in our profession is wonderful. Web 2.0 is creating a new branch for ever library prepared to take the leap. I liked Rick Anderson's article, 'Away from the icebergs'. At grassroots level, he refers to the need to move away from the 'just in case' scenario we have all been guilty of. At a very basic level, in a small public library, Web 2 is enabling the large reference collections to be pruned to a small functional size, and giving the borrower the opportunity for borrowing the items so long seen as out of reach. Chip Nilges article has some very good points, too. The 'user adding value' concept has great possibilities for reader advising extensions. The concept of the borrowers adding value to the catalogue via blogs in booklists and subject lists is a whole new area. Library Thing has these concepts. There are also going to be great developments in Worldcat. (see previous blog)
I would only want to add a word for the generation of borrowers who do not have the need or want, to participate in the new Web2.0 world. We need to make them still feel part of the library community, help them at the point they are at, and assist them if and when they are ready for the new.