tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2512589253409898521.post5269549385841256603..comments2023-09-01T18:06:57.643+10:00Comments on NSW Reference & Information Services Group: Skilling Up for the Next GenerationNSW Reference and Information Services Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16009359017665955518noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2512589253409898521.post-35592741912026396482008-02-21T18:56:00.000+11:002008-02-21T18:56:00.000+11:00I really like your comment, Martin, that Library 2...I really like your comment, Martin, that Library 2.0 is about implementing services based on understanding of customers.<BR/><BR/>A lot of Library 2.0 detractors say that library dabbling with Web 2.0 is ineffective because we are not engaging with customers and our attempts at innovation fall flat because they are static and one-sided.<BR/><BR/>I'm trying to collect good examples of Libraries engaging with Web 2.0 (and their customers) that I can use to demonstate how it can be done well when I find myself in these conversations.<BR/><BR/>The community I work in has a computer ownership rate 10% lower than the Sydney average, and it can be difficult to work out whether things that I find exciting would also fit in this community. <BR/><BR/>But I think that flickr will take off (when everyone has family overseas, people are always looking for new ways to connect!), Blogger now allows you to blog in Persian [!] and in the last half hour on the reference desk I have been asked by customers for help using yahoo messenger, bebo, and downloading songs from the internet onto mobile phones. So I hope that we will find ways to stay relevant!Jenn Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01376879833745935472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2512589253409898521.post-36708324887964233672008-01-22T17:24:00.000+11:002008-01-22T17:24:00.000+11:00Yes, no arguement that library 2.0 is not a wothy ...Yes, no arguement that library 2.0 is not a wothy candidate for staff training. As you correctly suggest it is the clients that will dictate to some degree the type of services that should be offered. <BR/><BR/>Unfortunately the pace of change necessitates (or at least from my perspective) that libraries take a gamble with some of this technology and see what works and be prepared for some initiatives to fail. There are amazing things happening around the world with library 2.0 technologies however; these tend to be undertaken by University libraries and/or large county (US) public libraries which have at their disposal well resourced IT departments. The challenge for public libraies (many of which are relatively small and not necessarily resource rich) is to deploy some of the internet technologies in a meaningful way. What use is a blog if you do not have a community of users that utilise the information? The trick is selecting tools that meet a market niche or alternatively to create the niche via effective marketing. In that respect it is always interesting to here about the success or failure of other public libraries.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2512589253409898521.post-65091075526361898112008-01-22T16:28:00.000+11:002008-01-22T16:28:00.000+11:00It is a good point you make about strategic direct...It is a good point you make about strategic direction. While there may be a handful of individuals that could currently conduct a reference transaction such as the one described in my post (not me!), library services that could provide this type of service would be very few and far between.<BR/><BR/>The thing is, the information landscape is changing - who knows what type of exchanges will take place between libraries and their customers in 10 years time.<BR/><BR/>This is where the strategic planning comes in. Each library service has a different mix of customers and it is the customers who should determine where each library puts its focus. However, if we don't dedicate some time to learning about these new information spaces how can we know whether we they can benefit our customers.<BR/><BR/>This is the essence of <I>Library 2.0</I> - implementing services based on an understanding of our customers. Any technology is just a vehicle, good strategic management must be the driver. Having a blog and a MySpace account does not make you Library 2.0!<BR/><BR/>I'm not a library manager, but it just so happens that I personally think that dedicating time/resources for staff to learn about new information spaces makes good strategic sense.Martin Boycehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05550567367127437402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2512589253409898521.post-67749626546035897902008-01-22T11:58:00.000+11:002008-01-22T11:58:00.000+11:00Interesting question; at present staff tend not to...Interesting question; at present staff tend not to provide that type of assistance partially due to the various skill sets that exist and also because these types of questions are huge time consumers. In the current context of public libraries the demand for other services and the operational models that exist would not allow the type of assistance you suggest. Ultimately a question of strategic direction.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2512589253409898521.post-2501122665926591662008-01-21T09:49:00.000+11:002008-01-21T09:49:00.000+11:00The State Library will be rolling out a learning 2...The State Library will be rolling out a learning 2.0 program for interested NSW public library staff from mid February.<BR/><BR/>Information about this will be available on the e-mail lists.Ellenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10240304868438238847noreply@blogger.com