Thing 2--Library 2.0

I am a fairly recent convert to Wikipedia. It is quick, thorough and as far as I can tell it's pretty accurate. Wikipedia defines Library 2.0 as a scenario in which "...library services are constantly updated and reevaluated to best serve library users. Library 2.0 ... attempts to harness the library user in the design and implementation of library services by encouraging feedback and participation." This pretty much nails it for me. We should always be looking for new ways to meet the needs of our patrons, and I love the concept of "harnessing" the library user to this end. Their needs are not the same as they were in 1992 when I graduated from library school. No one had a digital camera; very few people used email; online banking had not yet come into vogue, and no one that I knew would even consider putting their credit card number out there in cyberspace. Now these are everyday occurrences. But there are still people out there who need help -- they may not have a personal computer or an email account, but they need both in order to fill out an application. They are looking to their public library for help. This is how we can meet the public where they are and continue to be a viable public institution now and in the future. Where else can you go and get help filling out forms online for free? Only in America! Recently my husband and I vacationed in Italy. It was the vacation of a lifetime, but it could have been better if we had free access to the Internet to stay in touch with our family and friends by posting photos on our travel blog or emailing. This is an important service we can easily provide to the public in public libraries, and I believe it is the full implementation of Library 2.0 that will make it happen.