Shush 2.0

OCLC’s 2005 report Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources shows that only a small percentage of people begin their information search at a library or library web site. If it is the library’s mission to connect people with information, we need to find ways to bring the library to the patrons.

For my paper, I am researching ways Web 2.0 technologies can be used to extend the reach of a library’s collection, both digital and print. In a nutshell:

RSS can be used to push the collection or relevant information directly to the users. Websites such as Flickr engage the user with the collection, and can be used to inspire patrons to go back to the library. Libraries can create widgets that can be used in social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. LibraryThing for Libraries (LTFL) inserts user tags, reviews, and recommendations easily into an OPAC to enhance findability and readers advisory. LibraryThing & Goodreads users can find a copy of a book by using the WorldCat link on the book’s profile page. Creating Wikipedia articles and/or external links can promote and drive traffic to your library’s digital or special collection.