Thing #15: Library 2.0

Library 2.0: "Term used to describe a new set of concepts for developing and delivering library services." This new set of concepts includes the use of technology and how library spaces look/function, with the goal being to "make our spaces and services more user-centric and inviting."

I read a few perspectives from the OCLC Next Space Newsetter and was most intrigued by Rick Anderson's article "Away from the Icebergs." He maintains that there are three major barriers (icebergs) that will impede libraries' forward progress in improving services:

1) His library system has witnessed a decline in circulation the past twelve years. He therefore questions the wisdom of maintaining a large print material collection, arguing that patron demand for such material is declining. I looked at the circulation numbers for Howard County Library over the last years, and our circulation numbers, for the most part in most areas, have increased. Would our customers support a trim of our print collection? Which areas? How much?

2) Mr. Anderson suggests that library personnel have traditionally acted as "teachers," teaching patrons how to conduct research. He argues that libraries must move away from this concept by making our services usable without training. How would this change the "job" of the librarian? What would that job then look like (to use Mr. Belfont's phrase)?

3) Mr. Anderson further suggests that the " 'come to us' model of library service" must change. Rather than have patrons to come to us for their information needs, Mr. Anderson argues that libraries must learn how to "[place] library services and content in the user's preferred environment." Oh my.

I would be interested to see Mr. Anderson's model of the "Ideal 2.0-age library." He argues that libraries will look different five to ten years from now, but I can only hope that they will still have stately rows of shelved printed materials, librarians who will happily explore those rows with me in search of my requests, comfy couches and lattes at the ready.