Hello

In Newcastle Upon Tyne we are investigating how a library service web-site could be developed along Web2.0 themes - inviting networking (around reading, local issues, community information etc.), user-generated content (book reviews, going-out reviews, social calendars etc.), interactive links between what's going on around the internet and library services.

The vision has two key-elements:

1)that the home page could be tailored and personalised dependent on the customer login, remembering previous searches, providing recommendations, linking to items that other customers have created. It could perhaps also be used as a virtual learning environment where work or items of interest could be saved. The tailored site would be available internally, from the People's Network PCs in Newcastle, and externally, from home and remote internet access.

2)the site would have different signposts and content dependent on the age of the person logging in; e.g. a personal space for 5-10 year olds (with appropriate educational resources, book links, games etc), an 11-15 and 17-18 space(perhaps with more information for vocational qualifications, A-levels, music downloads, subjects of interest), and an 18+ space. So the page would develop and change as the person using it developed.

So that's the vision - without any real investigation into feasibility or cost at this stage. I just wondered what anyone else from public libraries, and other library and business sectors:

• think of the idea in principle
• think about how the content should be shaped
• know of any similar initiatives in libraries
• spot any major pitfalls

All comments and suggestions welcome.
Nick