Librarian 2.0

Essential knowledge, skills and attributes of of an information professional in a Web 2.0 world:

I think number one is to be curious and cautious, adventurous yet careful, about new technologies and the needs and uses of them in the particular library environment you are in.

I think flexibility and experimentation can be bolstered by analysis and research into both user needs and behaviours along with analysis and trials of the technology. At the same time, as Meredith Farkas (2007) has pointed out, we should not strive to be perfectionists, what I am suggesting is that it should more of a trial and error learning method rather than a hit and miss. Trial and error indicating more of a experimental approach involving hypothesis, theory and practical application and responsiveness to feedback and experiments, whereas a hit and miss approach suggests a reckless adoption of all technology or as Meredith Farkas (2007) describes "techno lust".

Librarian 2.0 must be aware and eager to learn and teach new technologies, and be aware that they may be part of a bigger picture. That the technology they use today may have to be discarded and replaced or accompanied with something new regardless of our attachment. I personally log straight onto my face book site whenever I sit down to the computer, but I still check my emails (considered a web 1.0 tool). This means we must have the ability to develop with web 2.0 whilst using a range of tools that meet the needs or preferences of the users.

I think also that time needs to be devoted to the upkeep and collaborative function of all web 2.0 tools, if we have to do it on top of everything we already do, or if its not considered a priority, then great tools can be left by the wayside and considered useless. This points out that we must facilitate their uptake and continued use and relevancy through dynamic, innovative and appealing content.

We need to be up with whats hot, not just with web 2.0 tools but with hardware, using Ipads, phones, laptops, and any other gadget that's out there to draw in users. My sons DSi has wireless internet connectivity plus he can make and edit small videos on it (not to mention online gaming capabilities), put the two together and we engage our youth. Its important to know hardware and software tools to offer complete relevancy.

The long tail and the digital divide were also two points brought up in Harvey (2009). To reach the long tail, there is a greater reason to be gadget and web 2.0 savvy as mentioned above. More and more our society's individuals are moving away from the mainstream, as seen in the recent Australian federal election. I think this is a trend we will see more of, and the range of technology and tools available supports this individuality and specialisation. No longer do we just have an email address (an indiscreet letterbox) but we have profiles which build a picture of our personalities, beliefs, wants, needs and sentiments.

The digital divide is always an issue that libraries will be involved with. In response to user needs, much of the floorspace is devoted to providing the facilities for users to get connected. I think libraries need to be more innovative in this area too, providing not only computers but the use of more portable Ipads or laptops, kindles etc that can be used throughout the library, opening up the digital experience to all of its users.




Abrams, S. (2007). Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and Librarian 2.0: Preparing for the 2.0 world found at http://2009.online-information.co.uk/files/freedownloads.new_link1.1080622103251.pdf

Farkas, M. (2007). Building academic library 2.0.Symposium of Librarians Association of the University of California retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_uOKFhoznI

Harvey, M. (2009). What does it mean to be a Science Librarian 2.0? Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship, (Summer). Retrieved from http://www.istl.org/09-summer/article2.html