Thing 2

Stephen Abram asks us to reflect on what we've learned about Library 2.0 or any new thing for that matter. As I think about 2.0, I am reminded of the Chinese Proverb that says:
"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime".

This is how I see Library 2.0 and its effects of all of us -- libraries, public, staff and communities. I'm all for helping library users in all library settings be more self-reliant and independent. Library 2.0 does just that. Be it in the form of promoting programs and services, creating content, and communicating/sharing it with others. Traditionally, librarians have had to find answers to users' questions, many times had to uncover the "real question" behind the original question or some vague one through the reference interview. Library 2.0 has changed the way we used to do business. Now, users are participating in their own learning and gaining ownership of that knowledge. They are partnering with us to create useful, meaning content for themselves.
I have read a bit about Library 2.0, but I'm just beginning to explore the different tools. 23 Things on a Stick is a great opportunity for me to do this, and I do hope to finish before the deadline. Creating time to do this is not easy whether it's at work or at home.