Library 2.0

I'm using Google Docs as I compose this blog. It's easier to edit text in something like Word, rather than typing straight into blogger. And if I have to step away, I can save it and come back to it later at another computer using the same Google account I have for a multitude of services. Technological services like this are what really will be the turning point that will "make or break" library usefulness in the coming era.

When I was a child, there was no such thing as the internet, in any version. If you had a school research project, you were limited to the resources your local library physically had in-house. Living in a rural area meant that there was one library, those resources were extremely limited, and you quickly learned to read "adult language" and use the massive, old (and often outdated) encyclopedias.

As services like Google get more complex and varied in their abilities (like Google Library), it's not necessary to come to the library to do research. Lots of my college reports were conducted solely using online scientific journals. As a student, I had access to my library's online resources, encompassing everything from journals to ebooks to "Ask a Librarian" Instant Messaging. Perhaps my favorite resource, "Ask a Librarian" was set up so that a librarian would staff the reference desk at posted hours, have access to a few IM services, and be available to aid students from any location with internet access in finding resources, whether they were in-house, online, or at another library altogether. This, to me, is the face of Library 2.0.
The largest difficulty with implementing new technological services in our library system will be getting the older population to use them. In Cashiers, we primarily have an older population. Most don't have internet access and don't need it. As time passes, the younger generation will be the one to utilize and direct these services, so we can do our best to implement new ideas, but we must stay on top of the changing needs. Pushing the online catalog (and individual use of online accounts) is one good way we've started. We need to continue getting the library out to the public, rather than wait for them to come to us.