Currently the library makes little use of Web 2.0/Library 2.0 resources other than to have an online catalogue and a few online resources such as databases, bibliographies and reviews.
Burwood Council doesn’t have much apparent use of Web2.0 opportunities but it does have a YouTube channel. This is one thing that the library could link into by videoing events at the library and uploading them to YouTube as a way to raise its profile. Sophisticated equipment is not needed to create and upload a YouTube clip. It could also use YouTube to familiarise borrowers with the library’s services. UTS does this well, as can be seen in this clip about using the research help desk.
A library blog might be of use, even if it’s only used to let the borrowers know what is coming up at the library. Whoever runs the blog could link to podcasts, sites and clips that might be of use to the borrowers. The library blog could also have a regular schedule of posts about Local Studies, Children’s book reviews, Teenage/Youth resources, Adult fiction and Information/ Reference. Study tips for HSC students could also be a regular post. This simple addition would be a way to keep borrowers up-to-date with new acquisitions or items of interest. An example of a blog for teen readers is Notes from the Underground from Allan County Public Library. This is written in a style that appeals to teenage borrowers and gives them the information they may be interested in.
Another option would be microblogging. This is the use of specialized blog software to create short posts. Some services allow posts to be sent via SMS (texting), instant messaging, third-party applications, as well as from a web interface. The best- known example of Microblogging is twitter. It is used effectively by some libraries eg Sante Fe Public Library which uses is to publicise events, notify of new acquisitions and to share random interesting facts. Burwood library doesn’t appear to have a Twitter or Facebook presence, though the council has had these for a while. To keep the interest of Gen Y the library needs to consider tapping into social networking media.
It would be worth the library considering delegating responsibility for this sort of service to a member of the library staff. This Web2.0 presence is something that the library needs to work on.
If they are interested in further developments, the library could consider using Flickr or History Pin to enhance its local studies offerings. These are used with effect by the State Library of NSW.
It would not be difficult for the library to enhance its online Information/Reference offerings by adding to the electronic resources and the downloadable audio books already available to those who have borrowers’ cards. An online chat like that offered by the Library of Congress may be too labour intensive, but an Ask the Librarian services such as that offered by so many other libraries would be of use.
Libraries: Doors to the Imagination 