Libraries as a source of local information

Some of the more popular computer classes in our electronic libraries have introduced patrons to the valuable local and state information available through our website. I thought about this when I read the paper by Charles Lyons, The library: a distinct local voice? posted to the peer reviewed internet journal firstmonday.

The paper "examines the library’s place as a local information provider ... suggesting some ways that libraries can become better recognized as places to turn for local information. " Lyons discusses the convergence of the growing trend of turning to libraries for local information with the emerging 2.0 technologies which is creating amazing opportunities for libraries. He further refers to an article by Walt Crawford in Cites & Insights which states:

“I would love to see many public (and academic) libraries expand their roles as centers for preserving local history and culture, and I believe some of the ‘Web 2.0’ tools could be important to facilitate citizen participation in building and maintaining such living local archives.”

Just some food for thought...