This document discusses how libraries can transition to an "Organization 2.0" model to better utilize social software and Web 2.0 technologies. It identifies common reasons why libraries' early adoption of these tools fails, including treating them as peripheral rather than strategic. The document advocates developing a risk-tolerant culture, understanding users, encouraging staff learning and participation, and integrating 2.0 philosophies into planning. It emphasizes assessing initiatives and involving staff at all levels to build an agile organization that meets changing user needs.

1. Organization 2.0
(or Can’t Get There from Here)
Meredith Farkas
Norwich University

2. We really need
to do these Web
2.0 things all the
other libraries are
doing

3. Wikis Facebook
Blogs IM
RSS

4. Blogging has been so
successful at the ___
library; we should do it
here too.

8. I think our library really needs a blog
to be relevant to our patrons. Don’t
worry, I’ll handle everything.

9. So, I’m going to need
you to start creating podcasts
for students, ok?

10. This will be the best
library blog ever!

11. So what’s the
problem?

17. Why does it fail?
• Use of social software is not seen as furthering
the library’s mission
• Social software is treated as someone’s
“pet project.”
• Social software is not planned for strategically
like other technologies
• Once the newness wears off, people are less
motivated to contribute
• Staff are not given time to work on social
software

18. Library 2.0 is a
state of mind
•Working to meet changing user needs
•Trusting our users (radical trust)
•Getting rid of the culture of perfect
•Aware of emerging technologies and
opportunities
•Looking outside of the library world for
applications, opportunities, inspiration

19. Building
Organization 2.0

20. Know your users

22. Encourage staff to learn and play

23. Question Everything

24. Integrate 2.0 philosophy and tech
into library planning

26. Treat technologies as tools
Facebook
Wikis
Blogs IM
RSS

27. and use them to solve
problems

28. Improve communication
with our users

29. Highlight our Collections

35. Make our services more visible

37. Improve internal
knowledge sharing

38. Develop a Risk-
Tolerant Culture

39. Beware the Culture of Perfect

40. Be agile, don’t get attached

41. Good Ideas can Come from
Anyone and Anywhere

42. Nurture Talent

43. Give Staff Time for
Creative Endeavors

44. Be transparent with staff

45. Encourage Network-Building

47. Create Partnerships

49. Be transparent with
patrons

51. Involve Staff from All
Levels in Planning
I can haz your cooperation?

52. Understand Staff Needs
and Limitations

53. Plan for the Continued use
and Maintenance of Tech

54. Time Must be Devoted to all This

55. Will you need to create
new jobs or just shuffle?

56. Assess, Assess, Assess!

57. Assessing 2.0
• Depends on your initial goals
• Web stats
• Number of visitors/subscribers/members/
users/fans and their behavior (visits,
comments, tags, ratings, etc.)
• Surveys and focus groups
• Satisfaction, utility, relevance
• What do they need/want from the library?
• What technologies do your patrons use?

58. Is your organization (as it is
currently structured) able
to make all this happen?

59. Thanks!
mgfarkas@gmail.com
AIM: librarianmer
Links and presentation at
http://meredithfarkas.wetpaint.com

60. Photo Credits
• Long Range Plan Discussion http://flickr.com/photos/maubrowncow/2763362494/ by
Nebraska Library Commission
• O&E Staff and Board Planning Meeting http://www.flickr.com/photos/tyreseus/
494325133/ by atp_tyreseus
• Free as in Beer http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicmcphee/2345633527/ by
Unhindered by Talent
• Sprout attacks a kleenex box http://www.flickr.com/photos/asimpledarksquid/
1187308493/ by Squid!
• TBLC Annual Meeting http://flickr.com/photos/sylvar/287940515/ by Sylvar
• RPFF Portraits & Features #4 http://www.flickr.com/photos/tsarkasim/4079152105/
by Tsar Kasmin
• Amazing PowerPoint Presentation http://flickr.com/photos/maubrowncow/
2763362494/ by maubrowncow
• Slide from “If You Build It, Will They Care?” http://www.slideshare.net/charbooth/if-
you-build-it-will-they-care-1159058 By Char Booth and Chris Guder.
• Dewey or don't we? http://flickr.com/photos/scampion/1500054745/ By scampion
• RISK #2 http://flickr.com/photos/tollaksen/967960/ by Bjornar
• Perfection http://flickr.com/photos/unloveable/2401166750/ by unloveable

61. Photo Credits
• IMG_2016.JPG http://flickr.com/photos/stevenjude/848723658/ by stevenjude
• Toolbox full http://www.flickr.com/photos/zakh/337938459/ by Austin ampersand
Zak
• Wait: I’ll fix it. http://flickr.com/photos/stshores24/488419188/ by sshores24
• Farm Cat Group http://flickr.com/photos/weesmalldoll/432578986/ by weesmalldoll
• The Spongebob Square, Er, Roundpants Juggle http://flickr.com/photos/cayusa/
2574029855/ by Cayusa
• Rapid Shuffle http://flickr.com/photos/latitudes/66424863/ by Johnny Blood
• sunny day http://flickr.com/photos/iamthebestartist/2226165685/ by jessamyn