Planting 2.0 Seeds in the Academic Library

 Community Garden

Introduction

Librarians are now routinely using so-called Library 2.0 technologies in their work, not only for the purpose of enhancing internal operations but also for improving public service applications for patrons.  The University Library at the University of Michigan engaged library staff in structured exercises during the summer of 2007 to inform, train, and stimulate exploration of these technologies in their everyday work through a program entitled, “MLibrary2.0 Series.”  At the same time, a smaller group at the Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library set out to survey the library landscape for fertile ground in which 2.0 applications could thrive.

Whether because we were immersed in the spirit of 2.0 experimentation or because of the wide-open charge we were given, we found our group working in organic ways atypical of the standard process commonly found in library committees.  For example, in order to meet our objectives, we found ourselves connecting with library staff with whom we otherwise would have limited contact.  Our activities forced us to grapple with administrative, technological and motivational issues.

Inspired by activities within our professional networks and experimentation already going on within our library system, we decided on a few proof-of-concept projects.  In developing our short list of possible projects, we considered the following factors:

• Perceived need

• Breadth of impact and scalability

• Sustainability

• Need to facilitate connections and communications with both our internal and external communities

• Balance between encouraging experimentation and navigating organizational constraints

Using the above factors, we selected the following proof-of-concept projects:

• Using Flickr to highlight our staff and collections in relation to Banned Books Week 2007

• Developing staff workshops to encourage patron outreach via Facebook

• Investigating appropriate collaborative communication tools such as blogs, wikis and course management software for collection development activities

• Exploring and selecting SpringShare’s LibGuides application as a tool to develop enhanced subject-based research guides

Our presentation outlines our technology management process, describes the outcome of our initial projects, and discusses key observations and lessons learned along the way.