Get to Know Web 2.0

I’m giving a presentation this morning on how libraries can take advantage of Web 2.0 software. In true “Define-Discover-Do” fashion as illustrated by the 10 Things, I’ll be providing an overview of Web 2.0, looking at 3 sites for libraries to consider (Meebo, MySpace, and Flickr), and providing some suggestions for getting staff and administration trained on this brave new online world.

You can see the presentation slides here. If I left anything out, or if you have any questions, please feel free to post a comment.

Many thanks to RASSL for their gracious hosting.

Past Presentations: Building Online Communities @ Palos Heights

Shortly after my talk at Orland Park, I was fortunate enough to give a talk at the Palos Heights Public Library. Titled “Building Online Communities With Web 2.0,” I discussed a few of the ways libraries can use Instant Messaging, social networking, Flickr, and Del.icio.us to make their online services a bit more dynamic.  Thanks again to everyone in attendance for your attention, your questions, and a great lunch.

You can view the presentation slides here.

Yikes.

I came across this photo while cruising my biblioblogosphere feeds and just had to blog it up. I’m assuming the bookdrop is the tan plasticy thing next to the bench in the background. (At the very least, it’s the same color as the empty bookdrop up front.) So many books have come in that it’s pushed the bookdrop back, allowing even more books to pile up. According to the note on the photo, the library was closed for a three-day holiday.My mission states that I’m supposed to talk about the intersection of technology and library service, and this photo highlights an important point. Know the limits of your tools, and how to work around those limits. This goes for these “analog” (get it?) resources as well as the digital devices. In this case, someone should have come in over the weekend to switch out the bookdrops.

During the keynote* at the Illinois Library Association conference this year, Michael Stephens asked this all-important question: what story is your library telling through its services?

Based on the volume of material here, it’s pretty clear that people do love this library (and want to avoid overdue fines). But if I didn’t know any better, I’m not sure I’d want to be part of this story.

Take a look around your library. What other stories are being told by certain services, signs, or policies?

*Something which I had started to blog about, but realized that I was just parroting everything the speaker had already said. You’re far better off checking out the presentation itself.

Well, rats.

It looks like my 10/24 talk at the MLS offices was canceled. With any luck, we’ll be able to reschedule and Rick and I will be able to share all that wonderful Flickr goodness with you some other time.