The 23 Things Initiative has definitely shown that there are hundreds of Web 2.0 applications. This in itself is significant, it illustrates the widespread use of ICT in all spheres of our daily lives and how reliant we are upon electronic methods of communication. However, perhaps what is more interesting is how these applications can be used in the Information Sector. In fact, I think the first question which needs to be asked is, are they being used? From reading other 23 Things blogs it sounds as if many of the Bodleian Libraries are using Web 2.0 tools such as Facebook, Delicious, Twitter, blogs to communicate with each other and to their readers. After researching this topic it seems to be a widespread assumption that Web 2.0 makes a librarian's life easier but with so many applications to choose from and the constant battle to compete for readers' attention when they are bombarded with a whole host of information on the Internet may mean that we have to try even harder to communicate effectively with readers.
I also found an interesting set of Podcasts through the CILIP website which are recorded by the 'Library 2.0 Gang'. They can be accessed at http://librarygang.talis.com/. Once again, the librarians in participating in this programme fully acknowledge the wide range of resources available but they are a bit more hesitant about how they can be used by libraries.
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You touch on several interesting points here, Amy - and I'm glad I'm not the only one who's been thinking about them! There does seem to be a lot of generalised enthusiasm about Web 2.0, but as you point out, everyone is a little more shaky on exactly *how* and *why* they could actually be useful...
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree with you that we need to ask if these tools are being used. From what I've seen, the vast majority of readers really aren't using what librarians are trying so hard to provide, and I think perhaps it's wrong that many feel they have to 'catch up' with the technology readers are using. Some careful thought and more focussed use is needed before more than the most techno-savvy undergrads (more rare than one might expect, in my experience!) will really engage with and gain from Web 2.0 and what it can potentially provide.