OLJ Task 7: Embracing a Library 2.0 ethos

Library 2.0 describes the relationship between web 2.0 and libraries. it is defined as “a subset of library services designed to meet user needs caused by the direct and peripheral effects of Web 2.0” (William, 2018, page 1).

Carole (2016) proposes key points about digital libraries. 1) portability – a user can access the library anywhere, anytime. 2) wider accessibility – not just accessible for patrons who can physically access the library, but also by those who can not attend the library themselves. 3) less physical space. 4) a shift of the librarian’s role of curator to the navigator.

Penrith city library is a local library in Western Sydney suburbs.  Over the past years, a lot of changes have been brought in with the adoption of web 2.0 technologies. It hosts a large number of e-book collections through Libby and over 100+ electronic magazines through RBdigital.

Although it has established the existence on Facebook, comparatively, the penrith city council is present on a variety of platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and Linkedin.   libraries have recognized the importance of their presence on social media but have not been able to take full advantage of social media. One reason is that, so far, libraries are focused on using social media as one of the tools only and not using social media to encourage user participation (Manzoor, 2017).

The effort of Penrith City Library to refine the catalogue is evident.  According to Sonawane (2018),  today’s library users in the web 2.0 age have different information skills and needs than previous generations.                                           Catalogue page from Penrith City library
The web 2.0  concepts like media on demand, social networking, tagging, blogs, wikis, and newsfeed seem to be impacting the view of future online library catalogues. It can optimise user service by community participation and social networking. From the search result from the library catalogue, it can be seen that a user can review and rate the book. They can also share the link with friends or families through a link of Facebook, Twitter, and email. All these features are included in the search results from the library.

Overall, Penrith City Library has been actively adopting social media into its services and is making satisfying progress in transforming the library.  However, it might be beneficial for the library to promote services on social network sites which are popular among youth, beyond Facebook and Twitter.

Reference:

Cole, L. (2016). The Reimagined Library – Where will it Find You?   Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnYDl66YfQ0

Manzoor, A. (2017). Social Media: A Librarian’s Tool for Instant and Direct Interaction With Library Users. In R.K. Bhardwaj(Eds.), Digitizing the Modern Library and the Transition From Print to Electronic(204-223). Hershey, PA : Information Science Reference.

Sonawane, C.S. (2017). Library Catalogue in the Internet Age. In R.K. Bhardwaj(Eds.), Digitizing the Modern Library and the Transition From Print to Electronic(204-223). Hershey, PA : Information Science Reference.

Williams, M. L. (2018). The adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in academic libraries: A comparative exploration.Journal of Librarianship and Information Science. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000618788725

 

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