Saturday, August 9, 2008

Web2.0, Library 2.0

There are very interesting comments on the OCLC next Space Newsletter. I particularly liked Wendy Schultz saying that libraries are not just part of a community - they ARE a community. Some members of that community may, as quoted in another article, spend 40 hours a week using the Internet in varoious ways so libraries must be up to date with new technologies for these patrons and not appear 'stuffy'. These patrons need never enter a library building with requesting on line, Interloan, shared catalogues, Any Questions, pay online and home delivery of requested items.
However, we also need to remember that not all patrons have or want this type of access. For them a visit to the library and the personal help/advice/chat that they can have with a librarian is important.
We therefore need to be aware of the needs of ALL our patrons and be ready to offer them each the service that they require.

No comments: