If there is one institution that should be adaptive to change and modernization, it should be the LIBRARY. Rational people recognize the importance of the library and depend on it for quality information. The Web poses the convenient role of retrieving information and people are easily lured into resorting to it. On this aspect, libraries should be able to come in pace with this phenomenon and “exploit” the web technologies to further expand its influence over its users. The succeeding section will then present on how Web 2.0 technologies can be utilized in enhancing library service to users.
SOCIAL NETWORKING
In the Philippines, Friendster is a buzzword. Aside from getting a person’s email address, the next big question is, “Do you have a Friendster account?” From my experience, workmates in the library are also “friends” in the Friendster world. This can be a springboard in integrating this technology in communicating with the service community. Social web education can lead to a greater understanding and acceptance of how the web hastens and improves the communication process with emphasis on the feedback part. By having an account for the Library, not only will the users be amused they will also appreciate how their library eases its way to their youthful circle. The network that may be build by the library will also reflect how the community patronizes its effort to be hip and trend-sensitive.
BLOGS
A well-informed clientele will make the most of the library’s resources. Blogs can play an important function especially in the areas of SDI and CAS as mentioned in Mr. Romero’s presentation. Aside from which, a library can also have a “Book Blog” where selected new book acquisitions can be reviewed by the librarians and spark the awareness of the users on new materials and new topics. This can even be escalated by trying to contact the authors of works that are potentially along the grain of interest of the users. This is not only a publicity stunt for the author but more of increasing the vitality of the library by linking the readers to the authors and giving them the avenue to share their thoughts and get excited about the upcoming works of the author/s.
RSS FEEDS
In an online interactive set-up, coordination helps every social web tool reinforce its basic purposes. RSS feeds not only deliver much needed updates but also engages the user to the development of an area of interest. Just like what Ma’am Sharon shared to us, she is already applying the advantages of RSS in letting the faculty know of the latest acquisitions in the Engineering Library II. This is a bright prospect in my present position. Given the ample amount of time to incorporate this mechanism, there will be no need to print acquisitions lists. Moreover, this is a statement that would brand any library as a growing organism, willing to thrive on the classic principles of service and season it with the flavor of modern technology.
Web 2.0 technologies have a handful of offerings. It is only for us librarians, to count our blessings and transform ourselves into the Librarian 2.0 that we ought to be.
