Alisha764

Starting the web2.0 conversation. Last week I posted about patient education, a missing link in healthcare reform. Then I picked up a journal I do not usually read and an article really hit home: Gen Y in the Workforce from the Harvard Business Review.

In short, the article was about two different generations colliding in the workplace. An eager Gen Y worker wanted to expand a marketing project using new web2.0 tools; however, his ideas were not well received by upper management. While the Gen Y workers ideas were solid and would have added value, he did overstep by going above his boss. While the Gen Y was a little too over eager, the part which really struck me was his ideas were not even considered. They were dismissed due to lack of time and knowledge.

The Krafty Librarian did a great presentation that summarized the issue: Promises and Perils of Web 2.0 in Special Libraries. She’s right, librarians encounter several barriers when trying to introduce new technologies and these are barriers I have been working on constantly.

I have tried to introduce new web2.0 technologies but they have not been accepted very well. A few staff members have started using RSS but most just cannot find the time. As a millennial I tend to accept changes and I am flexible to new technology, albeit sometimes a little too eagerly, but I am having trouble getting through to others. I’ve done everything from an open house, presentations, individual training sessions, and posters.

Marketing the library in the last year has tripled usage in every area and more in some. Granted, the library went from almost no use to some use, but I still have several barriers to overcome and one of them is resistance to change. So how do you encourage staff to use web2.0 technologies?

I have even applied for a grant to do a ‘mobile information station.’ I am hoping using a mobile station throughout the hospital will help with marketing the library and encouraging staff to use more web2.0 tools. Right now I am focusing on promoting RSS and PubMed. So if anyone has any tools or ideas please share!

I considered setting up a generic ticotocs, which will be a great assistance when staff members ask me to help them set-up a new RSS reader account. The problem I run into is time, I am a solo librarian; although, this would jump start the usage of RSS. I’m just not sure if this is the right way to introduce new technologies or if there is a better way. Anyone have any suggestions? Or do you just have to keep trying and continuing to introduce new technologies until they are accepted?

***Update 2010: While I am still working on many issues above the library is slowly making progress. The issues above are still vital; however, the term web2.0 was premature. I mentioned it only once in a presentation and after seeing the blank looks frombthe audience I quickly left it behind and moved on. I am not changing thus post or the basics behind the post, only pointing out I will be more cautious before using new terms or buzzwords in presentations or on this blog.***