Library 2.0 Conclusions

So where do I stand in the Library 2.0 spectrum?
I think it's fairly obvious that I am a supporter of Library 2.0 technologies. There are so many ways the library could use them to interact with patrons and attract new patrons. We could notify patrons of new library events and services using RSS feeds. We could allow users to share their photos of the local area using Flickr. We could use tagging and tag clouds to allow users to explore a particular subject and find out the topics that library patrons are most interested in. We could create subject guides using Wikis. We could post audiovisual guides to the library on YouTube. We could also attract new library patrons and start up discussions about library services using social networking. If we really wanted to be adventurous, we could start up a second life book club. Then we wouldn't have to worry too much about places filling up.
The question is: How do we do this?
These technologies are only just starting to emerge and develop. The majority of people who use these technologies are aged between 15 and 35. As time goes on more and more people will start to use web 2.0 but for now we need to work with a small number of patrons. We could increase this number by encouraging use of new technology through slightly older technology: email. Email is used by a wider range of people and so could be a good jumping off point for marketing new online services. For example, we could send out monthly enewsletters to patrons notifying them of library events, services and any new technologies. In addition to Internet Training Courses, we could also conduct Web 2.0 courses so that Patrons that are unfamiliar with the technology have an opportunity to learn and ask questions about it. We could also provide RSS feeds. In order to attract new patrons, we could use MySpace or FaceBook. While this might only attract some younger people it is a good way to present our services online. I think by taking small steps, we can gradually make Web 2.0 technologies a permanent part of library services.

Podcasts/Vodcasts

I haven't actually used YouTube before and I found some very interesting videos on there. By interesting I mean when I looked up 'library' in the search box I came across some funny and rude videos as well as 'Mr Bean at the Library.' I'm going to Africa in November and was able to find videos of all the places I was going to, which were very helpful. I can also see the value in possibly signing up to YouTube and posting some of my travel videos online. The following is a video of the Chobe riverfront from YouTube.I looked up the National Library of Australia on You Tube using the search function and found that there are a lot of videos broadcasting and promoting events held at the library. This could be a useful tool for any public library. We could broadcast informative videos and videos of some events (with permission provided). Like Social Networking Applications YouTube allows a user to add friends, comment on videos for the library.

I then moved onto Podcasts. My first problem was listening to the podcast. It was extremely slow to load even on a good computer. I think they're a good idea if you've got time. I subscribed to a podcast called Question of the Day. The episode I watched asked people 'Who are you thankful for?' There are 58 episodes of this so far. The library could use podcasts to update members about library services and information. Podcasts might also be used to discuss new websites or books as well. I think that this is technology that may be used in the future . . . when loading times are quicker.

Social Networking

I have used social networking a lot in my personal life. I have accounts with Myspace and Facebook. I mainly use it to catch up with old school friends, some of whom I haven't seen in about six or seven years. I also use Facebook to view photos of different events. For example, my sister recently got married and a large proportion of the guests posted their photos of the wedding on Facebook. There is also the option of tagging and commenting on photos. I might also add that a certain photo of me in the 'Our Shire' magazine also appeared on Facebook, posted by a thoughtful friend. I found that when Social Networking, you can restrict who is able to view your page and your personal information.
I think social networking would be good for the library going into the future. As I read in the blogs many people are wary of using it because so much crude material can be posted but it is a good way to connect with young people and introduce them to library services. I noticed that a lot of libraries with social networking target teenagers in their content. However, people in their thirties are also common users of social networking and so the library can gradually expand its target audience. As mentioned in the blogs, social networking might also encourage some parents to get involved. The library could run training courses in this technology.