#15 Web 2.0, Library 2.0

There was a lot to read; for a person who doesn't have much time - I had to speed-read through it, to be honest. I understood the gist of it and most of the concepts I already knew, therefore, it wasn't a very exciting read, but I do believe that the ideas and issues will create lively discussions amongst those who work in libraries.

Like all things, libraries will have to adapt to the changes in technology. In the past two decades alone, there have been considerable changes in library structure, resources, facilities and working dynamics, etc... I see this as a positive thing. Without change, how can one progress?

Libraries are no longer just a place for quiet reading and studying. The communities we service have more needs and it's our role to facilitate and educate. The world has never been more better connected and with the enormous amount of ever growing information that's being shared on the Internet - it's information overload and I'm not sure how much of that is realiable information.

Now, with all these resources - the main problem is being able to 'manage the information' available and keeping up-to-date with the changing technology that will assist in this process. Having worked in libraries we are aware of this, it's only common sense, so let's move on...

I have seen the library of the future, it's featured in Star Wars Episodes I, II, & III. Although, in the galaxy far, far away - they weren't called libraries. The Jedi Temple Archives contained possibly the single largest source of information in the galaxy. Within the polished architecture of the Temple, incredible amounts of data were stored electronically and holographically. Carefully organized electronic data, on super hi-tech computerised slabs or tablets were used instead of books. If that's where the future is heading, doesn't seem so bad afterall - and you know what they say? - Life often mimics art!