Library 2.0 at the GaETC

(Author - Please contact us for additional information needed 2/15/09)

WOW! It’s amazing all the changes that occur from one year to the next in technology! I always look forward to attending the GaETC because I learn about all the latest and greatest in technology and this year was no exception. Plus, it seems that every year there are new education/technology “buzzwords”. This year the hot “buzzwords” were Library 2.0 and Digital Natives. Every session I will report on in this article discussed ways of turning our library media center into a Library 2.0… which is providing access to library services and resources using technology. We need to have a Library 2.0 for our Digital Natives (someone who have grown up with digital technology such as computers, the Internet, mobile phones and MP3). It’s all about CHANGE and I want to take advantage of any opportunity to improve library resources and services.

The first thing I did so I could become familiar with these two concepts was order and then read two books that were suggested reading by several presenters: Born Digital: Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives, and unSpun: Finding Facts in a World of Disinformation. IT IS SO INTERESTING to me how the generation that has grown up with technology thinks. We have to “embrace” their way of thinking in order to teach them and also show them how to tell the difference between good information and bad information. They only know one way to search and that is using Google … and then they do that badly. They use single words for searches and click on the first or second result and use that web site.

After reading those two books, I have a better understanding of what a Library 2.0 is and Digital Natives. Then, thinking about those two concepts I took what I learned at the Technology Conference and incorporated these things into our library. One goal is making the library more interactive. So, I am dusting off my Blog that was blocked because of our filters and moving it to EduBlog. I am also working on making my web page more interactive and user friendly. I added an interactive survey of reading interests and found out how to move some of the links in GALILEO out of GALILEO and directly on the web page so it will be easier to use. I am also working on posting a new picture everyday of people in the library. Also, revamped the library’s website and I linked many new websites that were discussed in sessions that I attended. 

Another aspect of Library 2.0 is podcasting. So, I also attended every workshop I could that discussed the use of iPods in education. My goal is to set up book reviews done by the students.  I am excited to work with the teachers on iPod projects. We are starting a new research initiative at Cartersville City Schools and doing iPod presentations would be a perfect way to produce a research product that would be fun for the kids I emailed a copy of the presenter’s handbook to all the teachers who attended an iPod workshop. I also made a copy of my notes from the session about and shared them with the first teacher who did a Podcast with his students. He read them and then asked me to immediately make copies of my notes and distributed them to his students.

Making resources more accessible through technology is as an aspect of Library 2.0. So, I attended a GALILEO workshop because it seems to change daily. I need to keep updated so I can share any new information with students and teachers to use! I was not disappointed; the session was fantastic. I couldn’t wait to get back and tell my Special Education teachers about the new primary encyclopedia that “talks”! Also, shared with the social studies teachers the site with thousands of maps that is in GALILEO… and linked it to the library’s website. At the tech conference I registered to get emails with notifications about new online workshops and I have signed up for three! I just “attended” my first workshop and it was FANTASTIC!

Another aspect of Library 2.0 is providing Ebooks in the library…that is definitely Library 2.0. The day of classes sitting down in the library and doing research I think are NUMBERED!  I went to a special all morning workshop that discussed the use of ebooks in the library that included a discussion of Google ebooks that I linked to the library’s webpage. Librarians have to act fast if we have any hope of getting students to use credible sources...with sites like Wikipedia now being accepted as a source for information. The workshop was wonderful and discussed how to set up your web page to make it user friendly for patrons using ebooks! I have to convince teachers that ebooks are as easy to use as the Internet. I am working on that…I have to compete with Wikipedia…pretty fierce competition!

Everything…the design of the library, the web page, the lessons I teach, are all aimed at giving the students and teachers what they want, when they want it. That has always been my mission…even before the concept of Library 2.0. That is why the best part about the technology conference is coming back and sharing what I learned with the teachers and students. I cannot imagine working as a library media specialist and NOT going to the technology conference. I can truthfully say that I use something that I learned at the technology conference every day. Even small things can make a big difference in meeting the needs of those I serve. I am working hard to make my library a Library 2.0… and helping to train our Digital Natives to use their virtual library media center.

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