Library 2.0

I am a fan of Library 2.0....I really am. However, I think that we in public libraries need to be careful not to swing too far in either direction. I know cranky old library staff who never want to change and tech-loving young people who want every library to have a Myspace, Facebook, LibraryThing, Shelfari, Second Life, etc on the web site.

In my opinion, neither view is correct. I would strongly argue for restraint and thoughtfulness when making these decisions. We need to ask ourselves a few things:

1. Are we adding these new technologies to our website/library because we need to think of ourselves as progressive or because we really think they will be used?

2. Do our patrons have the skills/need for these technologies?

3. Do we have staff buy-in to teach patrons about these technologies?

4. Are we sacrificing things that patrons really want from us (collection development, for example) in order to pay for some of the Library 2.0 technologies?

Be careful. We cannot always be trying to catch up with technology and we really need to remember that many of our patrons don't have the skills or desire or hardware available to them to take advantage of these wonderful new opportunities.

I know we try so hard to prove that we are still relevant in this new world. And we are a great and important resource. But every decision that impacts staff and the budget needs to be taken seriously. And most importantly, we need to try not to be seduced by every bright and shiny new toy that comes our way.