Library 2.0: Implications for Access Services in the Academic Library

By Kathryn Munson

Defining Library 2.0
“ The principles of Library 2.0 seek to put users in touch with information and entertainment wherever they may be, breaking down the barriers of space, time and outdated policy. It is a user-centered paradigm focusing on knowledge, experience, collaboration, the creation of new content and encouraging the heart.” Michael Stephens

How did Library 2.0 come about? Michael Casey coined the term Library 2.0 on his blog Library Crunch in September 2005

Basics of Library 2.0
Constant and Purposeful Change
Be able to quickly respond to changing needs
Not change for the sake of change
User Participation = User Empowerment
Reaching Current and Potential Users
Continuing to provide services to the library’s base while reaching patrons who don’t typically use the library
Serving the “Long Tail”

Library 2.0 goals for the academic library
Evaluate all services on a regular basis.
Implement purposeful change driven by feedback from the university community.
Practice constant learning of professional best practices and new technologies .
Recognize the social value of the library as a compliment to its academic purposes.

Access Services and Library 2.0
In each of the stated goals for Academic Library 2.0:
Evaluating Services
Implementing change
Practicing constant learning
Blending social and academic functions
Access Services staff will play an essential part!

Evaluating Services
Necessary for instituting purposeful change.
Access Services staff uniquely positioned to solicit feedback from users on:
Quality of collection- Circulation, ILL
Media selections- Media Lab
Web site and electronic resources usability- Computer Lab
Integrated Learning Opportunities- Reserves
General feedback- All staff
Staff feedback is also essential to the evaluation process!

Tools for evaluating services

Implementing Change
Change must be based on evaluation.
The processes of change must be constant .
Experimentation involves trial and error.
Change must be considered by vertical teams.
Investigative
Planning
Review

Practicing Constant Learning
Keep up with professional literature.
Attend professional conferences.
Encourage dialog between staff and patrons.
Provide means for staff to collaborate and share knowledge and experiences.
Experience Web 2.0 for yourself!

Access services innovations ILL Reform

Create a research tips wiki or discussion group for different academic departments.
Encourage library staff to blog and create RSS feeds.
Reach out to users on sites they already visit like YouTube, Flickr, or Facebook.
Allow patrons to provide reviews or ratings within the OPAC or in course specific forums.
Make the most of the library’s collaborative physical spaces and encourage patron interactions.

Academic Library 2.0 Model

A few considerations
Library 2.0 entails radical trust.
We can’t loose sight of DRM (digital rights management) and copyright restrictions.
It’s not all about the technology, it’s all about the user.
Many library users may still need our help with “the basics”.

So Remember…
The path to Library 2.0 can be achieved by
Constantly evaluating services
Implementing purposeful change
Practicing constant learning
Access Services plays a key role in implementing these four functions and staff must be empowered to take part in the Library 2.0 model and be involved in the decision-making process.

And just when you were getting comfortable
You say you’ve been hearing chatter
about Library 3.0 and Library4.0!
Don’t worry about the terminology.
If your prepared for constant change,
you can handle anything. That’s what
the Library 2.0 model is all about.

Thank you!
If you enjoyed this presentation and would like to see it again or pass it on to a colleague, link to my site at http://www2.selu.edu/Academics/Faculty/kmunson/

Library 2.0: Implications for Access Services in the Academic Library

by Kathryn Munson on Jun 07, 2010

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Library 2.0: Implications for Access Services in the Academic Library Presentation Transcript