Public library 2.0: some Australian experiences
| Date | 02 October 2009 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470910998560 |
| Published date | 02 October 2009 |
| Pages | 846-855 |
| Author | Maryanne Gosling,Glenn Harper,Michelle McLean |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Public library 2.0: some
Australian experiences
Maryanne Gosling
Eastern Regional Libraries, Wantirna South, Australia
Glenn Harper
Frankston Library Service, Frankston, Australia, and
Michelle McLean
Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation, Cranbourne, Australia
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences of three public libraries near
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia of using Web 2.0 tools to reach existing and new users.
Design/methodology/approach – Using blogs and other social software and mash-ups,
Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation, Eastern Regional Libraries and Frankston Library Service are
opening up their web sites and services to their communities and giving voice to their users. The
various tools are described and how the libraries are making use of them is detailed.
Findings – That Web 2.0 tools can be successfully utilised by public libraries to provide enhanced
services to their users.
Originality/value – The paper provides practical examples of how Web 2.0 tools can be used by
public libraries. It is of particular value to public libraries that are interested in or already providing
service to their users using Web 2.0 tools.
Keywords Public libraries,Communications, Computer software, Australia
Paper type Case study
Introduction
Web 2.0 is becoming a part of everyday life online. People are reading blogs – even if
they do not realise what they are, sharing photos online, creating new content to share
and much more. The free tools and fast internet speeds available make it easier than
ever before and people are making the most of this increased ability to do and create
online.
Libraries are among the thousands of organisations that are utilising such tools to
better serve and engage with their users. Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation, Eastern
Regional Libraries and Frankston Library Service have committed staff, time and other
resources into exploring these tools and the best way to use them for the benefit of
those users.
Web 2.0 at Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation
Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation (CCLC) is a regional public library service in the
outer south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, serving a population of 300,000 in two local
Councils. In 2006, the library looked seriously at the new Web 2.0 tools becoming
available, as a means to offer new and alternative services to our fast growing virtual
users.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
EL
27,5
846
Received 30 January 2009
Revised 20 February 2009
Accepted 23 February 2009
The Electronic Library
Vol. 27 No. 5, 2009
pp. 846-855
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470910998560
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