Thing 17: Library 2.0

The whole idea of Library 2.0 seems to me to be part of the basic mission of libraries in general: to share up-to-date resources and information with the public it serves. Libraries have always been about sharing access, whether it be to a novel, an encyclopedia, a phone directory, the Internet, or information in general.

This is a time of being constantly plugged-in for many people. The concept of privacy is pretty loose for those who want to twitter, facebook and announce their every thought and move to the world at large. The idea of being cut off seems intolerable. Those of the more conservative mind-set still want to be in the loop via e-mail and keep in mind privacy settings when exploring other forms of contact. Libraries will need to be able to strike a balance between those who gobble up new technologies and interfaces as fast as they are released, and those who just don't want to be left behind; between those who need no assistance at all from the Librarian 2.0 (except a time extension!) and those who need to learn the basics of e-mail and the Internet.

Libraries need to be user-friendly now more than ever. As one of the articles said, we can't train everyone. We need to eliminate barriers to self discovery so that we can focus on assisting those who are just venturing into the brave new world of the ether. The Librarian 2.0 will be able to reach out in both directions by offering easy access to the one group and instruction and encouragement to the other.