Saturday, July 19, 2008

Thing 15

Wikipedia defines Library 2.0 in this way: Library 2.0 is a loosely defined model for a modernized form of library service that reflects a transition within the library world in the way that services are delivered to users. The focus is on user-centered change and participation in the creation of content and community.

To me, in an elementary library, it means organizing services so that they are user-friendly and listening to feedback from students to allow student participation in design and/or creation when possible. For example, I am anxious to begin school and show students how to use the new Destiny update which allows them to rate books or leave a text review.

For school libraries, it means continuing to move towards flexibility, participation, and collaboration. My greatest concern is in the area of participation, not for myself or for my students, but for staff who continually feel that time doesn't allow them the time to explore online tools. And, just in case one of them stumbles across David Warlick's guide for becoming a 21st century educator and reads step one (Find two or more other educators in your school who are interested in learning and using emerging information and communication technologies. It would be of enormous advantage if you can include your school's library media specialist.), I need to have some of these 23 things ready to pull out and dazzle.

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