Intro: Web 2.0 @ Your Library

By the end of this workshop participants should:

• Understand current Web 2.0 technology trends
• Understand how Web 2.0 technologies can add value to their organization
• Explore possibilities for using Web 2.0 tools in their own setting
• Understand the process of creating a persuasive proposal for innovating using Web 2.0 tools

The first four weeks of the Web 2.0 Challenge have been devoted to exploring some Web 2.0 technologies. By now, you’ve had hands-on experiences with these tools and should have a good understanding of what they have to offer.

If we ended this course here, there is no doubt that you’d walk away with valuable experiences & skills. Experimenting with new technologies allows us to keep our skills and knowledge fresh and gives us the confidence to seek and learn more.

But perhaps more importantly than what Web 2.0 tools are available are the questions why and how. Why would you want to implement Web 2.0 technologies in your library and how do you go about doing so? These are the next steps.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will consider why they might wish to implement a Web 2.0 project in their library by:

• Identifying the needs of your users
• Determining whether any Web 2.0 technologies meet these needs

Participants will gain tips on how to implement a Web 2.0 project by:

• Performing a cost/benefit analysis for the project
• Identifying potential obstacles to the project and determining whether they are surmountable
• Planning ways to meet costs & overcome obstacles