Library in a web 2.0 world

After hearing that David Magolis, the instructor for the LS 504 class intended to include some basic technology use in our instruction I was glad, if a little nervous. One of the negatives of the program at Clarion is the minimal instruction of technology. But looking at the trends web use is becoming more entrenched in the American way of life. In order to best serve our patrons/customers we as librarians should know how to use these tools. As I read recently, “if our users are now experiencing a living, social Web, shouldn't they find librarians waiting for them? Involved. Savvy. Creating conversations. Building community. I urge the groups I speak to not to be afraid of these tools and to look for ways to incorporate them into their work flow and professional lives.” (Participation, 2007)

A British study of the “Google Generation” revealed that not only does the generation who grew up using computers and the internet have different was of research and processing the information they find but “As adults learn the new technologies, they behave much like the young do in information space”. (Loertscher, 2008) I think we need to use and understand the technology that library patrons use in order to better serve them.

There has been some criticism of libraries and librarians adopting these technologies. I can understand some of their trepidation. There have been many failed social technology tools. Remember Friendster? It’s still around but I never hear about it anymore; it has lost popularity due to MySpace and Facebook. But to ignore these new tools would be a mistake. Even though many web tools fall out of favor and are lost to the sands of time there are many that have become a part of our everyday; tags and instant messenger are two that come to mind.

Some may ask why they should waste time and energy learning new web tools that may not be in use next year. But with so much free source content out there what do we have to lose? The time and energy learning new web tools is never ill spent. Even if you never use a particular program I have found that learning how to use it makes learning the next one easier. I don’t think the web itself is going to fall out of favor anytime soon.

Another argument against web 2.0 in general is the general inherent lack of control. In her article discussing Andrew Keen, former internet entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, and his negative view of the web 2.0 phenomena, Carol Tenopir says that she can understand Keen’s concern that the proliferation of social sites and amateur content are “eroding the authority of expertise and threatening traditional journalists, authors, and other sources of quality information.” (2007) Mr. Keen’s concern it that it is becoming harder to discern origin and veracity of information out there. I say that is even greater reason for librarians to use and understand the technology. I would also argue that determining the authority and truth of information is not something new. The aphorism “don’t believe everything you read” is an old one.

I think the argument advocating libraries use of web 2.0 to expand service was best put by Marshall Breeding, who said:
“Today's libraries operate in a dual existence, divided between in-person and online services. In the business realm it's not at all unusual to have brick-and-mortar establishments and to offer ecommerce on the web. Library-as-place and the delivery of excellent service to patrons visiting in person remains the heart of most libraries. I think the need to deliver the library's content and services both physically and virtually is just part of our reality. The online presence of a library is increasingly important and demands the same degree of creative thinking and planning as that devoted to its physical facilities and activities.” (2008)


Breeding, M. (2008, April). Content, community, and visibility: A winning combination. Computers in Libraries, 28(4). Retrieved June 5, 2008, from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts database.

Loertscher, D. (2008, April). What works with the Google generation?. Teacher Librarian, 35(4). Retrieved June 5, 2008, from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts database.

Participation in a 2.0 world. (2007, September). Library Technology Reports, Retrieved June 5, 2008, from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts database.

Tenopir, C., & Tenopir, C. (2007, December 15). Web 2.0: our cultural downfall?. Library Journal, 132(20). Retrieved June 5, 2008, from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts database.