Web 2.0 for libraries was a frequently discussed topic in library school. We read articles and saw examples of all the potential out there for interacting with our users on a whole new level. It sounded exciting and many of us dreamed of what we could bring to our future jobs...
But here I am, sitting at my desk, taking 20 minutes to watch this 4.5 minute video by Prof. Wesch due to a slow connection. After all, when the library is packed with users all trying to watch YouTube videos, upload pictures to MySpace, or take advantage of any of the other possibilities out there, it's hard for everyone to use 2.0 to its full potential. How can we expect to offer all of these great possibilites when we do not have the proper infastructure (or budget) to support it? Sure, we can slowly bring things into the fold. Our system could add a Twitter to the library's home page, or allow users to make tags or write reviews for library catalog entires. But can we expect to post videos and podcasts and have a truly collaborative, interactive site when we are still waiting on the launch of a new, less confusing library website for users?
I would love to see some of the web 2.0 possibilties implemented in our system, keeping in mind Michael's Stephen's warning that libraries should never "[implement technologies] for the sake of coolness and status". At the same time, I believe that we will need a significant increase of bandwith and other support systems in order to really do justice to all of these wonderful tools. Knowing how hard our system works to provide for staff and public, however, I think that at some point, we will be able to meet this objective.
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Yes, this is a huge problem, not just for our system but all across the nation. Many libraries have added web services, free wireless and additional computers to try to address patron needs and add value to services, but, without the infrastructure, it isn't working well. Plans for linking into the county's fiber optic system are in the works, I don't know enough to know how much that will improve things, but, have same concerns for online training and web conferencing.
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