There are some concerns about the use of Web 2.0 services and tools in libraries.
Libraries should have some type of social media policy in place. For example,
Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA created a social software policy where
they define acceptable use parameters of social software for all users of their
university library. Kooy and Steiner (2010), argue that even though social
software policies are not common, policies need to be in place to help protect
academic libraries from legal attack, to guide students in appropriate posting,
and to bring confidence to academic library employees with regard to what
behavior is acceptable. Some librarians also feel that with the increased use
of Web 2.0 tools in libraries will lead to the death of libraries. Sullivan
(2011) paints a picture of the academic library being dead. He suggests that
because academic libraries opened the door to such technological resources that
traditional academic libraries and librarians are an expendable luxury. I
believe that Web 2.0 tools enhance what libraries have to offer and that they
will never replace traditional library services. Libraries should do research
on the Web 2.0 tools and services that they want to use to make sure they are
right for their organization and that staff can make the necessary changes and
updates to the programs when they need it.
Kooy B. & Steiner, S. (2010). Protection, not barriers: Using
social software policies to guide and safeguard students
and employees. Reference & User
Services Quarterly, 50(1), 59-71.
Sullivan, B. T. (2011). Death by irony: How librarians killed the
academic library. Chronicle Of Higher Education,
57(18), A24.
