Twenty-three Steps to Learning Web 2.0 Technologies in an Academic Library

     In 2007 the Edith Cowan University Library ran the Learning 2.0 program, a pilot program targeting the training of library staff in Web 2.0 technologies. The program ran for nine weeks in its implementation phase and was participated by eight library staff. Learning 2.0, as a training package, followed adult learning principles. Each week participants were asked to do tasks that involved the use of blogs, wikis, podcasts, rss feeds, and other Web 2.0 technologies. The program ended with a focus group discussion through which the library staff relayed their positive experience and recommendations for the continuing development of those in the library profession using the Learning 2.0 program.

Three Points 

     1. Librarians need to adapt.
     2. Librarians need to learn.
     3. Librarians need to thrive.

     Librarians need to adapt. The Learning 2.0 program that was ran in the ECU Library began with the assumption that Web 2.0 technologies are the "next big thing" in academic libraries that will enable the library to meet the needs of the library clientele who are members of the Net Generation through various social networking technologies. This assumption fueled the institution's desire and willingness to adapt to the technological changes. Although the style and design of the program, which followed adult learning principles, were critical factors contributing to the success of the program, the attitude of the library staff towards adapting to the change was also critical.

     Librarians need to learn. In every profession there is an overt imperative to be continually developing, thus, the call for continuing education and professional development. The Learning 2.0 program is an efficient means to train library staff on the emerging trends in technologies which are applicable in the library setting. It enabled informal discussions among the librarians, self-discovery and self-learning within a supportive working/learning environment.

     Librarians need to thrive. One important point in the Learning 2.0 program was how to integrate Web 2.0 applications to everyday library work. The experience of the library staff, however, was that as they were going through the program they were able to see which technologies were best used for particular library service. Through the program the library staff were able to address information needs of the Net Generation  and "provid[ed] new opportunities to connect with [their] users." 

Implication

     The Learning 2.0 program of the ECU Library was adopted from the same Learning 2.0 program that was designed by Helene Blowers of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in North Carolina. Licensed under Creative Commons, this program served as the Web 2.0 staff development program of both libraries. It would be a boon to have the same learning program ran in our academic setting, with modifications reflecting the the changed technological landscape and the socio-political limitations wherein we operate.
     Learning is always an imperative for every person and librarians  are not exempt. Whether in a formal classroom setting or in a casual exchange of ideas over a cup of coffee, librarians can learn and ought to learn new things. Librarians can enroll in a class, register in a workshop/conference, participate in a staff development program like the Learning 2.0, or initiate one.

Reference

Gross, J. & Leslie, L. (2008). Twenty-three steps to learning Web 2.0 technologies in an academic library.
     The Electronic Library, 26 (6), 790-802. doi: 10.1108/02640470810921583

p.s.

The program mentioned in the article can the be viewed at the ECU Library Learning 23 Things. The link would also lead you to the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County's Learning 2.0 program, from which ECU's Learning 2.0 program was adapted from.