Embracing a library 2.0 ethos is so important in todays ever-changing technological society. The speaker, Laura Cole, highlights some valid points in relation to the ways in which, and importance of, libraries adjusting to technological changes and the benefits that can arise from embracing library 2.0.

My own local public library is situated in a fairly diverse town, with the library servicing a very large area. In particular, is the large number of elderly people in the area. The point that if implemented correctly, information accessibility is no longer just limited to those that can be present at the library could mean a great deal to the community, and ensure Laura’s point that the physical library is no longer the destination, but the person is the destination for information (Cole, 2016).

However, this brings the second point forward which is, why bother having a physical building at all? The physical library in my hometown still looks rather like the opening photo of Laura’s TED talk. Old style shelving with stacks of books. However, to ensure the physical building stays relevant while employing the technological information accessibility, physical changes must be made to ensure that the library transcends the barrier of place and becomes a platform (Hines & Crowe, 2016, p. 166).

The third important point is the danger the local public library could face if, as Laura mentioned, they do not accept or recognise that technology cannot be stopped – that it is happening and it is here and must be utilised, or ‘exploited’ instead of ignored (Cole, 2016). If library 2.0 technological elements like ebooks, smartphone accessibility and online library cards are not integrated into the library, the institutions face falling behind in society.

Lastly, in relation to Laura’s point that library 2.0 features are available 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year is especially relevant over the last year in relation to COVID-19 and the subsequent closure of branches as a result. As mentioned, efficiency must be achieved to be successful. Therefore, libraries and information services must undergo radical change if they are to survive and grow in this society (Bryson, 2016, p. 3). Public libraries can no longer solely exist in the traditional ‘stacks of books’ sense, and therefore must conform and adapt, requiring an almost complete reversal of thinking (Evans and Baker, 2011, p. 363).

 

 

References

Cole, Laura (2016) BiblioTech as the Re-Imagined Public Library: Where Will it Find You? https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=559&v=PnYDl66YfQ0&feature=emb_title

Bryson, J. (2016). Managing information services: An innovative approach. Routledge.

Evans, W., & Baker, D. (2011). Libraries and society: Role, responsibility and future in an age of change. Elsevier.

Hines, S. S., & Crowe, K. M. (2016). The future of library space. Emerald Group Publishing.