Learning Library 2.0: 23 Things @SCPL
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120910927510 |
| Date | 02 January 2009 |
| Pages | 44-56 |
| Published date | 02 January 2009 |
| Author | Hui‐Lan H. Titangos,Gail L. Mason |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Learning Library 2.0:
23 Things @SCPL
Hui-Lan H. Titangos and Gail L. Mason
Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Santa Cruz, California, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the significance of 23 Things @SCPL, a learning
Library 2.0 program based on Web 2.0, running from September 2007 to January 2008 at Santa Cruz
Public Libraries.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper introduces a new methodology in promoting the
concept that learning could not only be self-directed and collaborative, but also fun and rewarding.
Findings – By studying indepth the program’s implementation process, the two authors report their
findings in the following areas: organizing the first project in the history of Santa Cruz Public
Libraries, to involve the whole organization in the learning process about the digital realm; helping
staff members overcome typical learners’ stress and blocks, by offering an innovative teaching
approach; key to success I: comprehensive curriculum; key to success II: strong leadership; and impact
on library services and beyond.
Practical implications – The paper analyzes a successful implementation of the “lighten-up”
approach for program management. For this purpose, it adopts a user-friendly and easy approach, so
as to reach a broader audience.
Originality/value – The paper helps project managers to organize, develop and succeed in their new
projects.
Keywords Public libraries,Learning, Leadership, United Statesof America
Paper type Case study
I. Introduction: 23 Things @SCPL
Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) is a medium-sized library system with 11 branches,
located on the central coast of California. The system employs approximately 136
regular staff members. In 2007, the Library Management set “Familiarization with
emerging technologies” as a goal for all library staff. To that end, they decided to
implement the 23 Things learning initiative designed by Helene Blowers, former
Technology Director of Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County (PLCMC),
North Carolina (PLCMC’s Learning 2.0, n.d.). The implementation was assigned to Staff
Development Office (SDO). In collaboration with Network Access Services (NAS), 23
Things @SCPL, a learning Library 2.0 project, was born and immediately sprang into
action on September 17, 2007.
23 Things @SCPL is a self-directed, online program that allows participants to
explore free online tools and technologies known as Web 2.0. One of its goals is to
advocate the practice of life-long learning. It is created to encourage all staff to
experiment and learn about the new and emerging technologies that are reshaping the
context of information on the Internet today. Its objectives include:
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
LM
30,1/2
44
Received 29 July 2008
Revised 25 August 2008
Accepted 15 September
2008
Library Management
Vol. 30 No. 1/2, 2009
pp. 44-56
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120910927510
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