Web sites can bring libraries into the future

If you ask Michael Stephens, he would describe the library of the future as "hyperlinked."

"It's a library that has embraced emerging technology. It's an open library, offering much more participation to its users than the library of yesterday," said Stephens, assistant professor at Dominican University's Graduate School of Library and Information Science. "The Web has enabled us to connect in ways like never before. Not only are library services and materials available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but also the library is open for comment 24/7. The hallmark of this new hyperlinked library is a Web log or blog."

According to Wikipedia, "A blog is a Web site, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video."

Stephens recommends that libraries include blogs on their Web sites, involving many staff members in writing and ensuring that the "comment" feature is on.

I quizzed Stephens about this, noting some librarians fear that the public will criticize the library, make personal remarks, or use foul language. "In my experience," Stephens said, "The library should post some rules and ask the public to simply 'play nice.' A positive expectation is much more helpful than an expectation of fear. Besides, the library staff has the power to monitor comments if necessary."

Warming to his subject, Stephens said, "Blogging library events, plans and materials creates an open, transparent environment. If done honestly, it makes the library human. The key benefit here is the creation of a conversation between the library staff and its community. With the 'comments' feature enabled, everyone gets to talk and a true community is created. Sometimes it's hard to get people to comment, but by promoting the blog at every opportunity, encouraging conversation with polls/questions, and choosing content that appeals to readers, those comments will hopefully come. It may take some time."

Visit the Web site of the Des Plaines Public Library, www.dppl.org/, and click on the green box "Plain Talk", or visit the Deerfield Public Library's blog, "Running With Books" at www.runningwithbooks.blogspot.com.

"A second step for a would-be hyperlinked library is to incorporate Flickr into its Web site," Stephens said.

Again according to Wikipedia, "Flickr is an image/video hosting Web site, Web servicessuite and an online communityplatform #8230; It hosts more than 2 billion images." Visit Flickr at www.flickr.com.

"Flickr allows the library to use the power of pictures to enhance its presence on its Web site. Like blogs, this is a tool for personalizing the library. It's easy to use and it's virtually free -- $25 a year," Stephens added. Public libraries in Skokie, Wauconda, and Huntley incorporate Flickr into their Web sites.

"Libraries not utilizing emerging technologies could be putting themselves into a precarious position in the future," Stephens said. "It's all about community involvement and listening to what the community wants. Tie the use of new technologies to the core mission of the library. It's a good way to go forward.

"Ten or 15 years from now, when today's teens will be government officials, will they remember the library as relevant? Will they feel like it's an essential service equal to police, fire and sewer? But more importantly, librarians now have a set of tools that can be used to encourage the hearts of those they serve. These are tools for sharing, for helping us to connect with each other as human beings. What a shame not to take advantage of this opportunity," he concluded.

Listen to my 100th podcast featuring Michael Stephens. Go to www.sarahlong.org and click on "Longshots."