Thing 2

Library 2.o... I've been wondering what that means, and I kind of think I get it. Is it still a little abstract?
I find that I appreciate the online capabilities my regional library offers. I especially like the online catalog and book request. I often use and refer students to the online research databases. But I must admit that I rarely follow the regional blog, and I can count the times I've visited my local library blog on one hand... and that was because I was on the board and thought I'd check it out.
I've taught classes to seniors about how to use computers. It was fun, and I think it was a learning experience for them. They "think" they want to know how to utilize the internet, but let's face it, there is a lot to know. A person needs to be willing to put in quite a lot of time to learn about and get comfortable with all the possibilities.
At a "middle age" level, I have worked with teachers who learn what they have to learn to get by... email, grades, but want to leave the "technology" to the "tech people".
The young adults have grown up with computers and internet. They have established a comfort and even dependence on computers, the internet, and technology. This may be the best target audience for Library 2.o. Users are at a time and place in which they want to make technology work for them, save them time, get them answers, and entertain.
I see school age students using cell phones, texting, email, and the internet for mostly social purposes. They may access technology to help with homework, but I don't see them gravitating toward a "library blog". What I would like to offer students is a directory of valuable websites, and perhaps this directly falls under Library 2.0, and I just haven't wrapped my mind around it yet. Would a coffee shop bring more students to the library? Maybe. Would it get them to use library resources more? I'm not sure.
I embrace technology, but I've had a little block about Thing 2... maybe that's why it's taken me so long to get back to it. I look forward to the other Things, and I think they will actually help me put L2 into perspective so I can more clearly see the library applications.