The document discusses East Renfrewshire Library & Information Service's (ERLIS) adoption of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 technologies to remain relevant in the 21st century. It highlights challenges faced, such as negative perceptions and budget constraints. ERLIS created Facebook pages for libraries, educated staff, and saw positive outcomes like increased awareness and attendance. Future plans include a local history wiki, bookgroup blogs, and using new equipment for podcasting. The conclusion states public libraries must build virtual spaces to connect and collaborate with their communities.

2. To discuss... Demonstrate the value of adopting Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 in a public library context. The ongoing journey of East Renfrewshire Library & Information Service (ERLIS) as it becomes more Web 2.0 compatible. Highlight challenges encountered and offer solutions for the future.

3. Traditional role of the Public Library Based on Public Library Manifesto (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 2005).

5. The end is nigh...? “ The library’s information provider crown is slipping . Justifiably or not, today libraries are increasingly viewed as outdated , with modern, Internet-based services, such as Amazon and Google, looking set to inherit the throne ” (Chad & Miller, 2005, p.4).

6. The end is nigh...? Myriad opportunities to gain access to information and interact with others on a global scale... But only for those who understand how to navigate through this weird and wonderful virtual world!

10. Where do libraries fit in? Web 2.0 offers public libraries an opportunity to remain relevant to the lives of 21 st century users, enabling them to occupy a space within their virtual world. (Curran et al, 2007, p. 296). “ The internet represents a modern day ‘public sphere’, much like the public library; a place where citizens can come together to challenge political views and promote democracy” (Habermas, 1989; Mided, 2000).

15. Our Vision

17. Consultation Period ERLIS Bespoke Evaluation Matrix (2008) Scoring Key: 1= least suitable; 5 = most suitable. Evaluation Matrix Setup & Usability Privacy Settings Free from Advertising Library Suitability Overall Popularity Total Score Overall Ranking Facebook 3 4 4 5 5 21 1 MySpace 3 3 1 2 4 13 3 Bebo 4 4 2 3 3 16 2

20. Creating the pages Basic page layout can be online in 10 minutes. Fill out templates and upload photos. Step by step guide in paper.

21. Ongoing Development of pages Observe how users interact with the pages and evaluate, review and implement changes.

23. ERLIS Facebooks pages Busby Library Facebook Page ERLIS central hub page

24. Offline Marketing

27. Testimonials “… they [ERLIS] are opening up the discussion, encouraging community spirit and making the organisation that bit more approachable” Andrew Thomson, Internet Consultant (quoted in MacLeod, 2008).

29. Coming Soon Local History Wiki Using PBWiki / Wet Paint Bookgroup Blogs Using Blogger / Wordpress East Renfrewshire TV (ERTV) Using Plasma screen network and PC desktops.

30. Conclusion Public libraries will continue in physical locations but in the modern ITC landscape there is a need to build interactive and participative virtual locations to: We hope our experiences have shown that despite budget constraints and very little other resources it is possible for every library service to join the global community and reap the rewards of punching above their weight. connect, collaborate and contribute to the collective intelligence of the local community .

31. THANK YOU Christine Rooney-Browne [email_address] www.libraryofdigress.wordpress.com Anthony Browne [email_address]