Exercise 11: Recommendations.

A web page not linked to the councils would be a great start for Erina Library. The web page could contain links to other web 2.0 technologies such as blogs, and interactive web page features and online sources.
The recommendations for the use of web 2.0 technologies in the following areas include:
Local studies:
The use of a blog linked from the Libraries web page would be highly beneficial to the library, like the one the Queensland State Library has here. They could invite local history buffs and other authorities to contribute the the running of the blog. The blog would be a great way to showcase the local areas history, you would also be able to link in current events in order to garner more attention from the public than just relying on the council web page and in library advertising. Many library runs a great blog.
-Children:
Advertising on parenting forums or blogs would improve the popularity of children's story time and other events. From the libraries web page you could have links to a children's section, where parents and kids can watch story time, listen to e books, watch youtube clips of their favourite authors, see whats happening in the library and search the catalogue. Manly library has a children's page on their website, here.
-Youth/Teenagers:
Get a facebook page, learn how to use it and update it regularly with new items, book reviews, book releases and information on library events. For example the New York Public library have a fantastic and interesting facebook page here, as does Seattle. Erina library should copy the state libraries facebook page, instead of just relying on the council webpage to advertise upcoming events. This technology would benefit Erina library in that it would reach a broader and younger target audience as well as letting people know about the events it may be hosting.
-Adult Fiction:
E-books. The largest population group on the central coast is people aged in their 30s-50s. Older people are embracing new technologies such as e-book readers, iPads and iPhones. The amount of people in this age group on my morning commute with these devices is way higher than the people my age. If Erina library decided to adopt this technology they would see a huge surge in borrowing numbers and member numbers. E-books can be accessed and downloaded online or at the library, they do not take up much room, need no maintenance and are cheaper to buy than regular books.Gosford library has a collection of ebooks, it would be good if they could use this same technology at the Erina Library. The ebooks webpage was a pain in the butt to find, and would benefit from having a more direct link, even if its on a council webpage.
-Information/Reference:
Erina library has local information available in the form of pamphlets and booklets at the front desk. It has no web 2.0 technology in this area. The blog would be a great way to keep people informed of information on the coast.
The library does not have a large reference section from what i have seen. Their reference section is mainly travel books and some non fiction.