Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and the future of libraries

I think that Web 2.0 offers many exciting possibilities for libraries and the expansion of library services. It's relatively inexpensive, easy to learn, and because it is not all text-based it could be helpful to patrons with special needs, ESOL patrons, and those who cannot read.

Here are some of my favorite examples of Library 2.0 in action:

• Central Rappahannock Regional Library has one of the best library web sites I've ever seen. Kids and teens can participate in polls, watch storytellers, read and/or submit book, movie and music reviews, submit their own creative writing, and keep online reading logs. This web site was cool before Web 2.0 became one of the biggest buzzwords around.
• http://www.kidspoint.org
• http://www.teenspoint.org
• The Denver Public Library story podcasts for kids.
• http://podcast.denverlibrary.org
• The Huntington Beach Public Library YouTube tutorial for logging in to the online catalog for the first time (you can watch the video in my wonderful customized purple YouTube player below!)