library = beta

I talk about Library 2.0 all the time. Heck, I am trying to create a Library 2.0 environment here. Having read some of the blog posts from IL 2007,my mantra has become Library 2.0 is user centered, not technology centered. Not only are we meeting our users in the spaces they inhabit (which could be Facebook or the local senior center), we are providing services that they are requesting. I think sometimes (and this is something I am interested in) is anticipating needs. For example, libraries started offering wifi before the trend caught on! Now even McDs has wifi! This service was available before the public could request it in droves. I went to a workshop at a library a few weeks ago and was shocked to learn they didn't have wifi. Perhaps there isn't a need within their community for wireless access. I see many business people using our wireless during the day, perhaps out of town visitors.

I also like to think of Library 2.0 in the backend of library services. There are many applications for staff use, such as podcasting staff meetings (which always are scheduled on my days off or mornings off), guest lectures, training sessions, etc. I am excited to see that wikis are being used to collect feedback on documents and share information with others.

I came into librarianship with the spirit of a constant beta, and do not accept traditionas a valid reason for continuing a service. As librarians, educators of a community we are to be evaluating, changing, evolving our services. Sometimes to adapt to the needs of our users, and sometimes out of a need. I think there is this fear of the technology, as it might render our positions useless in due time. Wasn't this the same argument for online catalogs? Is there a changing information culture? Oh yes, and we are part of it. We are in a unique position to understand how information needs exist in a rapidly changing world and witness the digital divide increasing.