Still Facing Obstacles to Web 2.0 Use by Your Library? Try Henrico’s Approach

Some say it is easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission. Many libraries, however, are part of larger organizations that may not appreciate this approach regarding the library’s Internet presence. In mid-2009, when the Henrico County Public Library (HCPL) was ready to venture into Web 2.0 tools such as Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter, we knew our county administration might have some concerns. Library headquarters formed a small committee to develop a presentation for the county manager that would address potential problems and concerns in advance and explain the importance of Web 2.0 for libraries. Many public libraries were already far ahead of us, and we wanted to remain relevant to tech-savvy library members while avoiding falling farther behind. Our successful approach could be adapted easily by libraries of all kinds whose governing bodies may still have similar concerns, even two years later.