Perspectives on Web 2.0

The articles on Web 2.0 from OCLC's Nextspace were very good. The one that I would like to focus on for my post is Away from the Icebergs by Rick Anderson. In short, he points out that our profession needs to change its perspective and allow room for change even if it is one library at a time. He pointed out that libraries need to change their perception of library collections or "just in case" print collections as well as the old view of patrons coming to us for their information needs. He made it very clear that libraries need to eliminate the barriers that are in place between patrons and their information needs.

I agree with Anderson that libraries need to integrate their services with local curricula as well as integrating library services into the user's environment...outreach.

As important as it is for the profession and libraries in general to embrace change, it equally important to keep in mind that not all patrons have access to the newest technologies that appear at the speed of light or can afford them. We certainly need to make a more visible presence on the Web (not just a website...smile) and reach out to those patrons who prefer this environment, yet we also need to remember that there are other patrons we serve that can not afford and/or know how to use these new technologies and the great tools that are available. It is equally important to remove the barriers for these patrons and their information needs.

Somehow, I do believe that a balance can be achieved to serve all populations equally as well as eliminating the barriers between them and their information needs.