Thing 15: Libraries 2.0.

Reading the article "Away from the 'icebergs'" by Rick Anderson, at http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/002/2.htm, made me realize that our library system is actually quite ahead of the curve with regards to the library 2.0 pitfalls he warns about. By responding to patron demands for popular materials and media, our system has enjoyed increased circulation. We already offer a variety of other content, such as ebooks, with some limitations. We've made all levels of staff participate in training patrons, which I know helps to improve customer service. I do agree that we have to come up with creative solutions to offer virtual services, and "find new ways to bring our services to patrons rather than insisting that they come to us".

For me, one key aspect of Library 2.0 is the emphasis on user-centered web services, focusing on how users actually use our site and developing services around actual user needs. So for example, if our users are getting information using RSS feeds, our news and events page or our new books page should offer RSS feed options. Offering a myriad of online self-service features as our system does, however, is a great start; libraries have always been creative at using cutting-edge technology, after all!