#18 On Library 2.0 & Web 2.0

Library 2.0 is term used to describe a new set of concepts for developing and delivering library services. The name, as you may guess, is an extension of Web2.0 and shares many of its same philosophies and concepts, including:

• harnessing the user in both design and implementation of services,
• embracing constant change as a development cycle over the traditional notion of upgrades, and
• reworking library services to meet the users in their space.

Many have argued that Library 2.0 is more than just a term used to describe concepts that merely revolve around the use of technology; it also a term that can be used to describe both physical and mindset changes that are occurring within libraries to make our spaces and services more user-centric and inviting.

Others within the profession have asserted that libraries have always been 2.0: collaborative, customer friendly and welcoming. But no matter which side of the debate proponents fall, both sides agree that libraries of tomorrow will look substantially different from libraries today.

Discovery Resources:

OCLC Next Space Newsletter – Web 2.0: Where will the next generation web take libraries?

Five Perspectives:

• Away from the "icebergs"
• Into a new world of librarianship
• To more powerful ways to cooperate
• To better bibliographic services
• To a temporary place in time

Wikipedia – Library 2.0

Library 2.0 Discussions (list of great references from Wikipedia)

Discovery Exercise:

1. Read two or three of the perspectives on Library 2.0 from the list above.

2. Create a blog post about your thoughts on any one of these? Library 2.0 is many things to many people. What does it mean to you?

Coming up next: Why so many pick wikis...