Sunday, September 26, 2010

Library 2.0: More convenient than ever


Convenience.
–noun
1. the quality of being convenient; suitability.
2. anything that saves or simplifies work, adds to one’s ease or comfort, etc., as an appliance, utensil, or the like.
3. a convenient situation or time: at your convenience.
 –adjective
6. easy to obtain, use, or reach; made for convenience: convenience utensils that can be discarded after use.
"Convenience" is the first word that comes to my mind when I think of Library 2.0. No longer do users have to schlep to the library to find renew their books, find out when a book is due or see if a book is even available for check out. No longer do you have to wait in line to speak with a librarian because you have a research question. Today you don't even have to GO to the library to check out a book. These things can all be done via The Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), Ask-A-Librarian chat reference services and downloading an e-book to a laptop or e-reader. All from the comfort of your dorm, home or job.

There are many, many other benefits of Web/Library 2.0, but I am a firm believer that if something isn't convenient for a user (or anyone for that matter), it will not be utilized. Perhaps it's laziness, impatience or ADD, but convenience is truly what it is all about.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Hello!

Hello! I am currently a graduate student in the Library and Information Sciences program at Queens College, CUNY. This blog is for a course called Selected Technology Applications in Information Management(GSLIS747). I will share my thoughts and conclusions on various aspects of this course here. You can reach me at amiles100@qc.cuny.edu. Thanks and enjoy!