Monday, February 11, 2008

Thing 2

I just finished reading every article pertaining to Web 2.0 and I am still confused as to the issues regarding it. Is it about what it should contain with regards to library sites that use Web 2.0? I guess my take on this is that I agree libraries should have all and any information on any subject that can be found, but at what cost? A lot of information is online and not in the library, but should it be online in library 2.0? Should libraries have that information on their sites, instead of having to search the entire web? Why are the avatars needed on a library site? That point still confuses me. I guess that I am not into the fantasy world of pretending to be someone I am not, and therefore avatars don't thrill me.

A lot of our patrons do have internet access at home and can find books, order books, and renew books from home. What about those that don't have internet access? What is Web 2.0 to them? How does it pertain to the library they use in person?

I guess it all depends on what exactly it is everyone wants put on a library site using the Web 2.0 information and options. Are we required to use everything on a library web site or is it each individual libraries choice?

I know that Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 are our future, but we must also remember those patrons that do not have access to the web, and those older patrons who don't like change and want their library to remain exactly the same! A lot of the older patrons donate to our libraries and if we put everything on the web, will they continue to donate, since they can't access that information? Just some things to think about.