Week 6 Web 2.0 thoughts

To complete Week 6 of Web 2.0 I read a few different perspectives on Library 2.0. The main one that stuck with me is 'Away from the Icebergs', by Rich Anderson http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/002/2.htm

I think that the reason that this perspective stuck out to me is that living in Palm Beach County we live in an area where a large part of the population is elderly and is set in their way of doing things. We also have staff members who have been in the system for decades and are set in their ways. I know of several staff members who have been in the system for a while and have no interest in taking Web 2.0. I think that while we may be used to our way of doing things and it has always worked for us, we shouldn't let it hinder us from learning about new things and new technologies. Sticking to our way of doing things instead of learning new methods to do things and new technologies will hinder us in our growth. While we may have many elderly patrons who have been visiting our libraries for a long time and are set in their ways as well, the younger generation is more internet savy and may be more easily reached through technology.

I think it is important to focus on books and the tangible assets that we offer within our libraries, but it is equally important to be familiar with Web 2.0 so that we can use different tools to promote our libraries and events, know new technologies that we can teach computer classes on and be able to help patrons who have questions on web 2.0 related subjects.