Web 2.0 and public libraries: essential innovation requires a national solution.

• Author: Goodman, Jack

The future of public libraries lies in building and strengthening relationships with the communities they serve. Web 2.0 services are central to achieving this mission. At the same time, for public libraries to be able to innovate in these essential ways they require far more comprehensive and sustainable funding than that which currently supports their activities. The longterm growth and viability of Australia's public library network requires an urgent and profound rethink of the manner and scale in which the nation, and particularly the state and territory governments, funds these critical institutions. This is the core issue facing public libraries in Australia.

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The future of public libraries lies in maintaining and building relationships with the communities they serve. Historically libraries have been repositories of information. Today nearly everyone involved in the world of public libraries understands that they are as much about sharing information and opening opportunities for learning, community engagement and social capital building. As Australians, like the rest of the world, realise the irresistible pull of technologies that enhance the ability to communicate, public libraries need to participate in this revolution or risk becoming marginalised in an increasingly information rich but physically dispersed world.

The importance of interactive websites

Given the above, it is critical that all Australians have access to public libraries that understand and possess the resources to implement Web 2.0 services. At its most basic this means every library must have a functioning easy to navigate interactive website that speaks to the different demographics in its community, delivers ready access to traditional and virtual services, and allows the...