The Essentials of Being an Information Professional in a Web 2.0 World: an INF506 OLJ Entry

After reading and watching some of the assigned articles and videos this week, I have been thinking a lot about what skills librarians need in order to successfully introduce Web 2.0 into the library.  If you'd like to view these materials, here are the links:

Stephen Abram's Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and Librarian 2.0: Preparing for the 2.0 World

Missy Harvey's What does it mean to be a Science Librarian 2.0?

2008 ALIA New Librarians Symposium- Comments on Library 2.0/Librarian Web 2.0

Laura Cohen's A Librarian's 2.0 Manifesto

Many of these sources discuss the importance of Web 2.0 in the library as a way of staying current and up to date in a technology based world.  While this is key, I also believe being able to adopt social networking in the library requires much more common sense; a positive attitude.  Here are some attributes I believe librarians need in order to introduce the world of Web 2.0 to their patrons, staff and their library:

• Be open-Embrace change and the unknown! If you hear about a new technology or how a library is using a new social networking tool, check it out, don't be afraid.  Social media can be helpful in many ways for educational and business purposes, but it's fun too!
• Encourage Staff-If you are in  a position to decide on what social networking tool your library is going to use, talk to your staff, encourage them to try them out at work and ask them for their input.
• Communication-Ask other librarians, patrons and staff what they use, like, know and then brainstorm how specific tools can be used in the library setting.

These points are all connected to one another and a positive attitude is key when adopting anything new in an organization.  Set an example by showing excitement for new ways libraries can use social networking tools, and other people will pick up on that.  After following the above points, it's also important to be able to be able to critically asses how web 2.0 can benefit your library specifically.  Think about the needs of users, staff and the library itself.  The communication part is extremely helpful in this area...and don't forget to have fun!