Library 2.0 ... some thoughts

I have been reading these articles on library 2.0 from the perspective of a youth services librarian. It is our focus group who are picking up these web 2.0 technologies and running with them. I have become increasingly aware of this through the school groups that visit our branch. One teacher brings her class for seven sessions each year. They do not have a school library or library lessons. It has taken me some time to work out what exactly they need to know in the current information climate. I worked out pretty early on that they enjoy getting on the computers and searching for things.

The class teacher and I have been in constant dialogue over this. I now create a worksheet based on whatever aspect of the library they are discovering. They are learning what fiction, non fiction, call numbers and the dewey system are but also how this translates to a library record. We have been learning how to search a library catalogue ... from home, how to place reservations and how to get the information where they want it when they want it.

The logical next step was to put this information onto powerpoint and to do live demonstrations of catalogue searches. The kids love this because they have been learning to do powerpoint at school. Our most recent session was on the reference collection. A high percentage of the class have intenet access at home. Added to which, they all have access to it in the school classroom. We talked a little about the physical collection. We then went on to explore online reference materials. In particular we looked at Encyclopedia Britannica Junior. This grade 3/4 class are doing an integrated studies unit on Australia and France. I showed them how to use the 'compare countries' option in Bitannica Junior. They then had a go at using it themselves. Have a try. It is amazing.

At the end of the session, as the class were leaving, I encouraged them to bring me their projects on Australia and France so we could pin them up in the library. 'It might not be possible,' said little girl with ginger hair and big blue eyes. 'We are doing them on power point. They are digital files ...' These kids are way ahead of me. However, I did wonder, afterwards, if our new Plasma screens could be used to display this sort of thing?

Next time the kids come. I am going to teach them how to put book reviews on the OPAC. They will be the generation that uses these web 2.0 of features. They will expect them because they will not know any different. They have been brought up in and interactive web environment. It is the teachers and accompanying parents who are struggling to keep up.

PS. you will notice I have tagged this post - I am learning!