# 15 On Library 2.0 & Web 2.0

After reading the five perspectives, and some discussions as well, here are my comments.

Firstly I like Sarah Houghton's definition of Library 2.0,

“[L2] simply means making your library’s space (virtual and physical) more interactive, collaborative, and driven by community needs.. The basic drive is to get people back into the library by making the library relevant to what they want and need in their daily lives" Blyberg, John. (2006). 11 reasons why Library 2.0 exists and matters

Free email and internet access is getting people back into the library. We just have to grab their attention, show them what else we have to offer, once they get through those library doors! Seeing the library online may capture the interest of the library non-user, while providing easy access 24/7 to up-to-date information will help keep the interest of our current users.

However important as it is to keep up with our users who are techno savvy, we can't neglect the needs of our non-techno's. Learning to cater for both is a balancing act. There certainly has been a change from just in case collections, but we still need those books for pleasure! With a growth in online social networking the library needs to make it's presence felt. Forums and comments - blogs with comments everyone can see and learn from. Users can add value, staff can add value too. Staff need time to play, to feel comfortable with new technology, before they can successfully use and encourage the use of it. Staff and users, a collaboration - definitely the way of the future.