Task # 15 Library 2.0 - It's many things to many people. What does it mean to you?

I was fascinated by Dr Wendy Schultz' vision of Library 2.0 (to 4.0!). It always concerns me, however, that so many base all of their assumptions on the notion that everyone has access to technology. It may surprise many that there are still a whole lot of people out there who don't own a computer or have access to the Internet. In an area such as Dandenong (which has the dubious distinction of topping the SEIFA index of social disadvantage (see ) this is a real and valid concern.
I quite firmly believe that in today's world a computer and net connection are no longer up the top of Maslow's hierarchy but somewhere nearer the bottom - basic fundamental human needs. You need access to a PC to study, for most jobs and services (ever called a government department asking for a form?) And let's not forget that there are a lot of people out there with minimal literacy - how are these people to cope in an online world?
Those of us who live online can barely remember living any other way, but we need to remember that not everyone has this privilege and the that Libraries need to be sure that we are not marginalising some of our members by moving services from the physical to the virtual. So how do we balance this?
The simplest way would seem to provide access in Libraries themselves. Simplest response - how far do you go? To provide a PC for every person who needs one, whenever they need one, in Greater Dandenong alone would likely require a stadium filled with PCs. Which clearly doesn't cut it. In the last census, 31.5% of Victorians stated that they did not have an Internet connection at home. In Greater Dandenong, if I am reading the data correctly, this goes up to 45%. Appreciating also the validity (or lack thereof) of a written census tool for individuals with low literacy ... the real figure is likely even higher. Incredible.
Frankly I firmly believe that this needs to be shunted from Local Government to Federal - bring on the days when concession-card holders can get free PCs, individuals can access as much literacy support as they need and all public housing has cable pre-wired. And that would be just the start...
But back to the topic at hand!! I don't wish to sound like a technophobe or defeatist, anyone who knows me should be able to refute that (or anyone who has read this blog!) I believe that while we move toward Library 4.0 we need to do two things: first, advocate for our users - high speed broadband is a wonderful thing, but what about those who don't have connection at all? and second ensure that we truly uphold the principles of Library 2.0 as a USER-FOCUSED construct and remember that not everyone lives online - yet. If we offer virtual services they need to add value rather than representing a service shift biased toward e-patrons, creating increased isolation and marginalisation of a vast user community.
OK, enough diatribe! Bring on Library 4.0 - for ALL of our users.
Cheers
Donna