Thing #15: What Library 2.0 Means to Me

I read the Library Journal article entitled, "Library 2.0: Service For the Next-Generation Library" and thought about what this movement meant to me as a library employee.

According to the article, Library 2.0 is based in "user-centered change." I agree with this shift in service ideas because technology has been allowing more and more patrons to become information-seekers online, with more joining the online ranks in just the last few years.

This changes the way our patrons find and receive information. If we are the keepers of information to the public, why shouldn't we then be changing the way that we provide this information for them? This is where Library 2.0 comes into play.

With websites like MySpace, Facebook, LiveJournal, Library Thing, and Flickr, our library clientele are becoming used to choices and personalization, as well as voicing their opinions in a public format. They choose what kind of blog they want to start and talk about their lives there, what sort of profile page they want to have on MySpace, what books or music they want others to know they are interested in.

Our patrons shop online, they download music and videos, they look up information about their health or what food to prepare for dinner. They share themselves online through blogging or sharing photos with family and friends. Even our presidential election has found its place online with candidates boosting support via their websites, spreading their message through cyberspace.

At the library, we want to be able to provide our patrons with the same kinds of choices and options that they receive elsewhere. Part of this comes with allowing them to utilize their Internet savvy in part with their love for books and information at the library. If we give them choices and options, input on what services and materials we provide them, we are including them in the information process and ultimately, they have a stake in the library itself.

As the article states, "This increase in available technologies gives libraries the ability to offer improved, customer-driven service opportunities." The article states that we as library workers should be providing our patrons with the chance to "create their own stuff to contribute to the ocean of content out there."

When I worked at the elementary school library, one thing that the librarian did was let certain kids help with simple library duties. She felt that if the kids were given a chance to help with the library work, that they would take pride in their school library. I think this simple concept is at the basis of what Library 2.0 is all about.

Each one of our patrons should feel like they have a stake in their library. Hy-Vee touts that it is "employee owned," why shouldn't our library patrons feel this way about their neighborhood library?

According to Library Journal, Chris Anderson, who helped coin the name Library 2.0, talked about providing a voice for patrons who may want items that are not necessarily the "hit" movie or television show. I agree. I think for all the people we have who will want movies like "The Dark Knight" we also have patrons who would want us to purchase foreign films or British television shows, and we need to give them the proper channels to request these items, as well as give them the opportunity to voice their opinions on such things.

And as the article points out, Library 2.0 is not just about technology. The idea can be implemented just by considering "...what services your library already offers that could be improved as well as new things that can be added. This includes both technology-based and non-technology services."

At OPL, we have begun to embrace the concept of Library 2.0 through our programming alone. Teen lock-ins and game nights, including gaming themes utilizing Dance Dance Revolution, Rock Band, and Runescape have gone over quite well throughout the system. Baby Reads has been a hit with new parents, as well as providing parents and child-care providers with tips on how to read to young children. We have started an online movie service, as well as a service that provides books to be delivered via mail. All these things are examples of how Omaha Public Library is incorporating Library 2.0 on a daily basis.

If we allow patrons to participate in, and be a part of, the library and it's offerings, we are exercising the Library 2.0 mindset. By giving them options to review books, fill out a survey, or teach them how to use free, online technology, we are putting the Library 2.0 concept into play.

In conclusion, I feel that Library 2.0 is a customer service mindset. We can retain the beauty of what libraries have always been, providing books and reference for our patrons but at the same time, allowing patrons to be a part of the library by utilizing new technology in order to give our clients a feeling of ownership of their library system. Customer satisfaction can only come from knowing our patrons and what they want from our services.

Library 2.0 will not go away now that we have reached this point in technological advancement, even if the name changes or the concepts expand. The libraries who are not on board with this concept will surely be left behind in the long run. I am excited to see what this new surge of ideas will bring to our line of work, and I have enjoyed learning about some of the sites and technology available to librarians through the O! What A Geek program.