Barriers to implementing Web 2.0 in libraries
This week’s online discussion and readings raised new and interesting questions.
Thus far, we have been exploring the various social networking sites available, ways in which and reasons why they should be implemented in libraries. However, we have not focused on the feasability of initiating these sites, and what kinds of obstacles librarians may encounter in doing so.
During our discussion, one of the first points raised was the competence of library staff in using various Web 2.0 sites. It is true that if staff are unable to use the software, they will not be able to teach it to patrons.
In all areas of librariship, training and competence of staff are key. Tehcnology, however, is perhaps one of the most important areas for training, as many patrons rely on and expect to be able to learn how to use the internet, and by extension, Web 2.0. This means that library directors and library schools must take special efforts to educate staff, students and future librarians about Web 2.0, technology, and the necessity of staying current with technological changes. Libraries should perhaps make technology training mandatory at least two times per year.
Another barrier that we discussed relates to the competence of users. If libraries implement Web 2.0 appliations in their daily routine, and spend time learning about its uses and training to become competent, then they have to ensure that patrons too are getting as much use as possible from these sites. For this reason, libraries must create classes and workshops deisgned to teach patrons how and why they should be using social networking sites. This is especially pertinent today, when the economy is struggling, and many people are looking for jobs and networking tools.
Although the implementation of Web 2.0 is generally free, libraries have to consider the costs of training, both staff and patrons, which should factor into their decision about which sites to use in their libraries.
