Spent a lot of time reading and thinking this week about what Library 2.0 means. For me the 2 represents two-way, as in two way communication between the library and its patrons, customers, clients or users. The communication allows the library to be responsive in providing resources and services its community wants. This is not new, but it is one way of thinking that is becoming perhaps more popular than providing resources that the Library thinks its community needs. I quote, “But as with other librarians, BYU’s librarians struggle with the age-old question: Is what patrons ask for what they really need?” (Whitchurch & Belliston (2006). “Information Commons at Brigham Young University: past, present and future.” Reference Services Review, Vol.34, no. 2, p.269.)
For many people 2.0 represents the second iteration of the internet, new technology that allows users to create, share and contribute to an online conversation. Library 2.0 uses this new technology as another method, in addition to the traditional comment cards, face-to-face chats and surveys to allow the user to actively contribute to the library site, the catalog and make suggestions. Many libraries have embraced 2.0 and have created blogs and taggable catalogs. But even though the avenues are there, and easier to use than ever, the community doesn’t seem to be embracing this way of interacting with the library. In their book, Library 2.0, published in 2007, Casey and Savistinuk cite examples of 10 blogs at Darien Public Library, and two years later there is only one left. Ann Arbor District Library’s Directors blog has an earnest discussion in progress about major cuts to library funding, but of 31 comments there are only 15 unique contributers. And this is by far the most commented on post.
The idea of 2.0 and being open and responsive to your customers is worthwhile. Social media tools can provide a great way to foster communication and make it easy for anyone to voice their opinion or contribute. The trick is to attract participants and encourage people to get involved.