Thing 8

Communication - Web 2.0 style. Finally, something relevant to the library. The library is all about communication and dissemination of information. Of course we're going to branch out into IM, text messaging, and whatever other new communication tools pop up. As the proponents of Library 2.0 like to say, we took the plunge with the telephone all those years ago right? Web conferencing is a great tool as well - when the technology works right.

There really should be no debate about whether libraries should embrace these new forms of communication. They already are. Take email reference for example. The only reservation I have with proceeding into these new realms is to make sure that we have the old technologies and services working smoothly at the same time. At my library, the phone system sucks. There is no person that directs patrons when they initially call, no dedicated phone reference, silence when they are put on hold, no voicemail for many employees, and a complicated forwarding system that results in many dropped calls. Basically it's an outdated system that needs an overhaul. Can we make this a priority please?

Now branching out into social networking sites is another issue. We need to meet them on their own turf L2.0 proponents say. But there has to be a limit to where we will follow potential patrons. And that limit is where they stop seeking information and start socializing. Social network sites are not places for online library services. That's what the library website is for. Advertise our website all you want all over the web, including social networking sites, but quit trying to be hip and cool by having a social networking presence. That's just not what it's for.