RA: How can I benefit from web 2.0 technology if I were a librarian?

"Web 2.0 thrives on network effects: databases that get richer the more people interact with them, applications that are smarter the more people use them, marketing that is driven by user stories and experiences, and applications that interact with each other to form a broader computing platform." (Blue Coat Systems, Inc., 2011)


Some web 2.0 technologies and their use in a library setting


Google Maps is a web-based mapping service technology powered by Google. In a library, it can be an electronic substitute to a map of  various locations around the world  -- could be every city, street, corner avenue. It's most usable when travelling  and can definitely be part of the library services for students, people who just moved in town, tourists visiting a local attraction and those looking for the local deli. The librarian may have to study the features of this application in order to maximize its use and fully assist library users.


Web logs or more commonly known as Blogs are web pages with various uses but is basically intended to work like a log, or a journal. People subscribed to a blog will receive e-mail notifications of updates on that specific blog. Libraries can use this service to provide users regular updates. Libraries can coordinate with teachers to have their students subscribe to the blog for updates on more current sources. The interactive functions of commenting and automatic updates through subscription make it easier for librarians and library users to get in touch with each other. Librarians can post new acquisitions, updates on usage guidelines and policies, promotions, acknowledgments, etc. The librarians imagination is the limit. Some may even get extra profit from advertising through blogs.


Content Management Systems (CMSs) are also good examples of web 2.0 technologies. There are some CMSs which require licenses but there are some which are available open source. Libraries can use this and can even build resource sharing among various public libraries, even those from off shore. Soft copies or downloadable and printable file types can be shared through this type of system. Librarians can also coordinate with teachers to use this system to have files retrieved and assignments uploaded and submitted.


With the fast changing technology and the availability of such advancements, the librarian's role to provide information with the least amount of resources in the shortest possible time can be achieved. These technologies not only enhance the library's capacity to manage and provide information but it also keeps them upgrading and keeping up to the trends in the field of information service.


References


Articles and Book Chapters


Blue Coat Systems, Inc. (2011). Technology Primer: Web 2.0. Retrieved July 11, 2012, from http://www.bluecoat.com/sites/default/files/documents/files/bcs_tp_Web20_v3b.pdf
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Center for Online Research and Service, University of Illinois Springfield. Web 2.0. Retrieved July 12, 2012, from http://www.uis.edu/colrs/learning/technologies/web20.html


Oreilly, Tim. (2007). What is Web 2.0: Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software. Communications & Strategies, No. 1 First Quarter 2007 (p. 17). Retrieved July 12, 2012, from http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1008839


University of Delaware. School of Education Educational Technology - Course Frameworks. Retrieved July 9, 2012, from http://www.udel.edu/fth/courses/web2resources/index.html


Electronic Sources


Opensource CMS. (2012). [home page]. Retrieved July 11, 2012, from http://www.opensourcecms.com/