1. What is Library 2.0?
Library 2.0 is a term used to describe a new set of concepts for developing and delivering library services. The name, as you may guess, is an extension of Web 2.0 and shares many of its same philosophies and concepts including harnessing the user in both design and implementation of services, embracing constant change as a development cycle over the traditional notion of upgrades, and reworking library services to meet the users in their space, as opposed to ours (libraries). Many have argued that the notion of Library 2.0 is more than just a term used to describe concepts that merely revolve around the use of technology; it also a term that can be used to describe both physical and mindset changes that are occurring within libraries to make our spaces and services more user-centric and inviting. Others within the profession have asserted that libraries have always been 2.0: collaborative, customer friendly and welcoming. But no matter which side of the debate proponents fall, both sides agree that libraries of tomorrow, even five or ten years from now, will look substantially different from libraries today. As you work through the TwoPointOh Exploration the concept of exactly what this means to us as a public library will become clearer.
2. How does the YCL TwoPointOh Exploration work?
This is a self-discovery program which encourages staff to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and PLAY. There will be no classes or workshops offered to support this program. Instead, staff are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques and “how to’s” both in person and through their blogs.
3. Who is eligible to participate in the exploration?
All library employees both full and part-time. This includes pages. Participation is voluntary.
4. How long do I have to complete the program?
You have as long as you like. However, to be eligible for the prize drawings all tasks under “Completion of assignment” must be accomplished, blogged, and acknowledged before the Staff Development Day in September.
5. Will I be able to do this on library time?
Yes and no. Employees will be allowed to work on the TwoPointOh Exploration within their scheduled work time and with the approval of their manager. Realistically, much of your learning will have to be done on your own time — during lunch, on breaks, and before and after work. Staff members will not earn overtime or extra time to complete the tasks.
6. How do I track my progress?
As part of the initiative you will create a blog to record your activities. The “Completion of assignment” section of each task spells out exactly what you need to post. Your blog will be reviewed and you will be e-mailed to let you know that the task has been completed.
7. I want to participate but I don’t feel comfortable with my co-workers reading my blog, can I be anonymous?
Yes and no. Everyone can read your blog, this is the nature of blogs in general. Please make sure all posts are appropriate and use discretion in mentioning names/places etc. Copyright issues and intellectual content also apply to blogs. You can remain anonymous by choosing to use a screen name to identify yourself. However, to receive acknowledgement that you have completed a task and to be eligible for the drawing you need to e-mail Shasta at shasta.brewer@yclibrary.net, include your real name, your pseudonym, the e-mail address that you want acknowledgements sent to and the address of your blog.
A link to staff blogs will be included on the TwoPointOh Exploration page.
8. Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?
No, this is a self-directed learning program. Many of the websites you will work on during this project have excellent online help and tutorials. If you feel you need assistance with an item, you are encouraged to be resourceful. You may consult a co-worker or another staff member who can help. Reading other staff members’ blogs can help, too
9. If I didn’t complete a task correctly, can I fix it?
Yes. You will be given a chance to redo the task.
10. How do I qualify for the drawing?
Complete all tasks as outlined in the “Completion of assignment” section. Your blog will be reviewed and you will be e-mailed to let you know that have completed the task. All tasks must be completed and acknowledged before the Staff Development Day in September.
11. Why are we given so much time to complete the exercises?
We already have a lot to do and the summer months are busy with Summer Reading Programs. Realistically, much of your learning will have to be done on your own time — during lunch, on breaks, and before and after work. Also, some people will have easier access to a computer than others.
12. Who do I contact if I have further questions?
Email Shasta at shasta.brewer@yclibrary.net.
12. Do I e-mail Shasta after I finish each task?
Yes and no. Once you have set up your blog e-mail Shasta as to your e-mail addy, your pseudonym, and your blog address. Shasta will then add your blog to the YCL TwoPointOhExploration page and include your blog in her Bloglines account. Bloglines will notify her as to updates in your blog and it is no longer necessary to e-mail Shasta. Unless you have a question, of course.
