Task 2: Review 'Library 2.0: service for the next-generation libraries' by Michael Casey and Laura Savastinuk. In a posting of about 600 words, can you outline some of the elements of the model that the authors describe as Library 2.0?
Library 2.0 is a model for library service and is described by Casey and Savastinuk (2006) as a library that is ‘any service, physical or virtual, that successfully reaches users, is evaluated frequently, and makes use of customer input..’ In this excellent article, the authors describe, without using technical jargon, how a library service can move towards a Web 2.0 environment through innovative use of web based technologies. This article was uplifting to read from a professional point of view, with encouraging examples of the Library 2.0 model to implement.
User centred change is the key platform of this model. The elements that comprise this model enable the library service to better serve its users by responding to customer needs and providing goods and services that are easy and convenient to use.
Some of the elements of the Library 2.0 model are:
Virtual reference
A library can provide an excellent virtual reference service by combining existing technologies such as online databases, the ‘ask now’ reference service (Ask now 2008) and instant messaging. Virtual reference means the user can access the expertise of the library at home or in the workplace. The library website becomes a portal for knowledge.
Personalised user services
The Library 2.0 model includes elements that improve customer service and strives to increase its customer base. Elements that facilitate this are the ability to access items not available in your local library by using Library Link (Library Link 2008) and online acquisitions for immediate ordering. Personalised OPAC interfaces provide reader development tools such as profiling and links to reviews. Online and lending audio books enable alternative and portable formats that cater for everyone. The provision of home delivery library service and outreach early literacy programs help to maintain the customer base and encourage new users.
Blogs and Wikis
Blogs, Wikis and social networking tools such as Facebook are a good example of user centred applications. Blogs can be used to communicate the latest news, events and materials in the library. By using RSS, the customer can keep up to date, book for or comment on an event and reserve the newest items. Blogs are excellent tools for reader development. Reviews and comments are always interesting to read, and can be added to by the reader from home, providing an engagement with other readers that was previously only found among friends or a formal book group. Wikis too, can be used in a similar way. Wikis can be used most effectively as professional tools to communicate and network ideas. Many libraries now have their own Facebook presence.
Online safety
Casey and Savastinuk stress the importance of libraries being as vigilant with online privacy as they are with physical library services. Online users are able to use anonymous user names and be assured that the online services are constantly monitored for unsuitable content, as is their physical environment.
This paper offers many ideas that libraries can implement without the aid or expertise of an IT expert. Many Library 2.0 elements such as blogs and wikis can be implemented by staff with minimal IT training. Such is the enthusiasm of Library 2.0, that professional development in the library industry is awash with Web 2.0 familiarisation programs. Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service offers an excellent Web 2.0 program, this program includes training on blogging and podcasting (Yarra Plenty 2008).
Particularly useful in this paper is reference to project management suggestions such as soliciting customer feedback, evaluating and updating services.
The Library 2.0 model is well within reach, and in the two years since this article was written, most library services will have implemented several of the elements described by Casey and Savastinuk. User driven library services will continue to develop in the future as libraries seek to improve and expand innovative online services.
References
Ask Now 2008, chat service, National Library of Australia, viewed 26 August 2008,
<http://www.questionpoint.org/crs/servlet/org.oclc.home.TFSRedirect?virtcategory=11130>.
Casey, M & Savastinuk, L 2006, ‘Library 2.0: Service for the next-generation library’, Library journal, 9/1/2006.
Library Link Victoria 2008, home search page, State Government of Victoria, viewed 26 August 2008, <http://llv.net.au/zportal/zengine?VDXaction=ZSearchSimple>.
Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service 2008, Yarra Plenty Regional Library’s Web 2.0 Resources, 25 April 2008, blog, Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service, viewed 26 August 2008, <http://yprl.files.wordpress.com>.
No comments:
Post a Comment