Web 2.0? 2.1 and beyond!

Helene Blowers, the creator of 23 Things (originally called Learning 2.0) has taken her library system beyond the number 23 - they are doing Learning 2.1.

I think a lot of staff at our library and other systems aren't quite sold on this idea of Web 2.0 or Library 2.0. To those folks, I have to say - I'm sorry but it is here to stay. Long gone are the days when a customer just wanted a good book to read or an answer to a homework question. Information staff have certainly seen their job, and the skill set needed to do it, change from just being able to find the correct paper source to give someone the correct answer to things like electronic databases, web sites and more.

When we did a survey of our customers and why they used our PACs we discovered that many of them saw it as just another service (not unlike our collection and programs). Many of our customers are already familiar with the Web 2.0 technology and in order to serve them better, staff should be familiar with the technology too.

I know change scares a lot of people. But the power lies with the individual - you have the power of choice. You can choose to ignore, run or hide from technology. It won't go away and you'll just be further behind when you are finally forced (either by necessity or otherwise) to face it. Or you can choose to embrace the fact that technology has changed every one's job (not just library staff) and the best thing is to learn it now. Learning it now gives you the edge - it helps build stepping stones to the the next technological advance.

I love how Web 2.0 has put the power of the internet into the hands of the people. No longer are "just the experts" allowed to comment, share or instruct but your average Joe who happens to know a few things too can do the same.

Power to the People!