Library 2.0: Thing #2

I found the video and articles very interesting, with some excellent ideas for how the elements of Web 2.0 can be integrated into a new way to look at library operations and services. There is no question that the students who are currently in my high school bring with them considerable experience using the interactive capabilities of the Web, and finding ways to use similar approaches in how they can access information and resources will enhance their impressions of what we offer.

A recent survey conducted by the Pew Charitable Trust found that, interestingly enough, library usage is increasing among people in the mid-20s to mid-40s population--to the point where their usage now surpasses that of older adults--which tells me that libraries must be doing something right in how they are adapting their services to the needs of patrons. The Hennepin County Library system provides a good model for how a variety of patron-participatory elements can be included in their website.

Two recent staff development days at my school included sessions on Web 2.0 taught by my Media Specialist partner Terri Osland, and all of the sessions filled up immediately. Teachers jumped at the chance to find out more about blogs and wikis, and also ways to create learning tools using GoogleMaps (plotted into GoogleEarth), Jing, Ning, VoiceThread, and GoogleDocs. Seeing how, within days, many teachers are already incorporating the use of these tools into class presentations and student projects is inspiring, and the fact that students love using those tools as well is an indication of how important it is for all of us in education to make sure we are taking advantage of these new tools for engaging students in learning.