Web 2.0 seems to be another step in the ever changing landscape of library land. Any industry that utilises technology will find that they will also evolve with the technology they use.
I believe my library is a little bit behind those described in the perspectives I read. Most of my customers sole purpose for visiting the library is to select a book (or twenty) to take home and read. Traditional users using the library for traditional purposes. They are still afraid of the computer catalogues we have let alone adventurous enough to be writing a blog. I look forward to the day that they come in and use our Internet computers to download the latest e-book by their favourite author.
While I can see the potential for many of the tools we have experimented with while learning Web 2.0 I have some concerns. The importance of using reliable sources when using the Internet as an information tool has always been recognised. I feel that this generation of Web 2.0 takes that reliability away - anyone can write a blog or add a tag. Are there any checks in place to make sure we are still providing our customers with accurate information. Are our customers going to take this type of information as gospel because they obtained it from the library.
Libraries do need to change to maintain our usefulness but there are huge obstacles in our path. Budget restrictions, staff time, staffing levels - just to name a few. I'm sure we will get there and can't wait to see what the next wave of Internet Web 3.0? will bring.
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1 comment:
Some excellent comments and concerns you address in your post.
Keep up the good work
Lynette
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