Google + Library Donations

Today, I learned to use Google +. I added friends, family and acquaintances to my circle. Expanding my social network and providing information some useful information and maybe in the future use it communicate with others. In my first Google + as part of my Social Media course I posted some suggestions as the person in charge of donation on how Social Media/Web 2.0 applications can be used to promote the libraries annual book sale that includes donated books and also how Social Media can serve as a way to announce that the library is accepting donation of books and other materials.  I then shared my post with all of the people within my circle. I hope you have a chance to read what I posted on Google +

The Death of Library 2.0

“Library 2.0 Five Years Later” Journal Article by Walter Crawford was quite a surprising article to read.  I was shock to learn through the article that Library 2.0 was just a concept that never took off and it is now dead. I have understood that the basic idea of Library 2.0 was to transform library services by making them more interactive and more web-based along with Web 2.0 lines. I know that there is a great difference between both principles.

Web 2.o services is modeled to share information in a particular way different from the definition of sharing information for libraries. Librarians have been in conflict with this notion of sharing information because of privacy laws. Privacy is central, core value of libraries.  So, I think that in part Library 2.0 has not taken off not only because is more of a technology based principle but also because of the fear that the use of technology as a form of contact, communicating or disseminating information to the public electronically or virtually may violate privacy laws that protect the information that patrons obtain from the library.

However, as a new generation of librarians’ rise, the views will change. Librarians of the future may define space as a virtual space not a physical space but the use of physical space will continue to exist, communication will continue to evolve into more virtual setting. In part this is due to the budget challenges that libraries have been facing for the past few years and an existing limited technology skills among older librarian colleagues. The growth of mobile devices and applications are driving forces for which change is necessary.

As more patrons demand that libraries understand and know how to deal with the demands and expectations of Web 2.0 (Facebook, blogs etc,) more libraries will have to understand that these days everything is about the use of online or virtual communication. As we move more into an open content process, the traditional approach of librarians to serve their patrons will gravitate towards more of Web 2.o platform.   Library 2.o maybe a term that is now considered obsolete but we must admit that Library 2.o has much to do with the changes as it is part of a movement of change; change in library services and change in librarians view but also requiring that librarians obtain the skills necessary to be able to move forward with technology.  So, whether it is Library 2.o or Web 2.o or any other new technology we must be ready and prepared to use it.