I see a 21st century library as modernised library services with new technologies, trends and opportunities, allowing users to be part of the decisions in their changing library. Library 2.0 a term used to represent this change, confirms that libraries are evolving but how they are going to change is hard to determine (Kwanya, Stilwell, & Underwood, 2009). If libraries do not want to be seen as obsolete they are to utilise ever malingering new technologies, however they need to use them wisely and selectively (Zanin-Yost, 2010). The web or more specifically Web 2.0, is a source for the library to share information, ideas and experiences, a collaborative atmosphere driven by community needs (Aqil, Ahmad & Siddique, 2011). I believe that all libraries, especially school libraries, need to embrace the changing technological world. My own experience with libraries is that they are always experimenting with information communications technologies (ICT). My own library is communicating with patrons and allowing patrons to communicate with each other using blogs, wikis, tags, RSS feeds, social networking sites and supplying online services such as databases, encyclopedias, electronic books and electronic audio books. I know that I am lucky to be working with library staff that are always looking towards the future and how we can improve our services to our school community. We use Web 2.0 tools in lessons and for advertising our resources and encourage reading through QR codes, ipads, apps and kindles. Web 2.0 has made our library more interactive and engaging.
Through INF506 Social Networking for Information Professionals I have become more aware of the benefits and potential use of social networks. Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, librarything, etc can create a new experience for patrons with how they connect with their library. The public has become comfortable with Libraries being part of social media with libraries having Facebook pages, Twitter accounts and looking at every social network that could be used successfully (Griffey, 2010). Libraries have used new technology to connect with its patrons such as emails, online catalogues, text messages, blogs, libguides etc. Patrons expect their libraries to be connected to the Internet, to be able to contact and find information without actively walking into the building.
From the course I can see social media as a means for the library to be able to connect with a wider audience. My high school library connects with students using technology they use daily. It also highlighted the use of social media as a new way of teaching and learning, for example students can join shelfari a social networking site that allows the students to post book reviews, create a virtual book shelf with books they have read, are reading and want to read, and also allows the students to communicate and create discussions with each other about the books they have read.
The downside of using social media to connect with your patrons is that they expect instant information and responses; consequently the library needs to keep updating for the audience. Staff need to be dedicated in updating the public through social media, keeping it fresh and interesting to gain and keep their patrons attention (Lorenzo, 2007).
Part of the social media subject was to focus on a case study which I found to be very interesting as I looked at the effect social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, can have on societies. I was interested in the power of social media through its ability to connect with so many people who otherwise may never had meet. The information that Facebook and Twitter has can be passed on to many and gather like-minded people together and how this simple connection can influence change is society. My case study focused on the Egyptian uprising in 2011 and the part social media played. All though people did believe the revolution would have occurred without social media, most could not deny the speed of the uprising and count that down to the social media tools of Facebook and Twitter (Boyd, 2011).
The library space is changing with future ideals of how the spaces should be used and what will be in them. What needs to remain in the new vision of future libraries is a space virtually and physical that provides stimulating learning environment (Church, 2011). I find it hard to imagine what a library will be in 20 years, but it will still focus on services libraries can provide to its customers. It is no longer just about the physical and non-physical resources but the teaching and learning spaces as well. The TL has to look at what the students and staff will need from a school library, they will tell us what the future libraries will be (Mardis, 2011).
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| Egypt 2011 |
Aqil, M, Ahmad, P &
Siddique, M. A. (2011) Web 2.0 and libraries: facts or myths. Journal
of Library &
Information Technology, 31 (5). p. 395-400
Boyd, E. B (2011)
How social media accelerated the uprising in Egypt. FastCompany.com
<http://www.fastcompany.com/1722492/how-social-media-accelerated-the-uprising-in-egypt>
Church, A.P (2011)
School librarians as teacher leaders. The Delta
Kappa Gamma Bulletin, p. 10-12
Griffey, J (2010)
Social networking and the library. Library Technology
Reports p. 34-37
Kwanya, T, Stilwell,
C & Underwood, P. G (2009) Library 2.0: revolution or evolution?
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Lorenzo, G (2007)
Catalysts for Change:
Information Fluency, Web
2.0, Library 2.0, and
the New Education Culture.
Clarence Center, NY: Lorenzo Associates,
http://edpath.com/images/IFReport2.pdf
Mardis, M. A. (2011)
A big vision depends on a long memory: one professor’s take on 21st
century school libraries. School Library Monthly, 27 (6), p. 45-47
Zanin-Yost, A (2010)
Library 2.0: blogs, wikis and RSS to serve the library. Library
Philosophy and Practice
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