1 September 2007

Subject: ‘Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and its implications for Libraries’
Question: Define the term Library 2।0 and describe some of its key elements.


Libraries still consider themselves guardians of knowledge and library collections are now mostly hybrid in nature. With the rise of Google, Wikipedia and other web based technologies, we have started to see a change in the history of libraries. However, there is change on the horizon and the emerging technologies are driving the Librarian’s out of their comfortable corners, making everyone question the relevance and usefulness of existing client services in meeting the future needs of users.

Over the last decade there has been considerable change occurring on the web. Web 1.0 content included static websites, mp3.com and Britannica Online to name just a few. The shift from static to more collaborative and dynamic technologies resulted in the shift to Web 2.0. This gave way for interactive multi-sensory media that includes; Wikipedia, Blogs, Wikis and Syndication for example. The awareness of growing technologies on the web has not only resulted in Web 2.0, it has also made way for user-centred and user-driven services (Maness, 2006).

There are a number of characteristics of Web 2.0 that are interactive and include; social, sharing, participatory and the re-use of existing content aspects that are user-focussed. However, the shift towards user-centred or user-driven services presents the biggest evolution in libraries for some time (Maness, 2006). Library 2.0 is a direct spin-off of the term Web 2.0, it is inferred that libraries must adopt a strategy for constant change while promoting a participatory role for library users.

The need to provide responsive, appealing and relevant services in a more direct manner as discussed by Miller and Chad (2005) is indicative of most literature available on the evolution of Library 2.0. This term Library 2.0 represents a mashup of new web based technologies that provide a social network or interface that includes personalised OPAC, RSS, blogs, wikis, tags to name just a few that exist within library network systems. A socially rich community of library users is emerging who can communicate with one another and to harness the collective intelligence of their users. the forcasts and implications are there for our metadata specialists within libraries through disintrmediation and user self-sufficiency, linking a wide array of information objects.

Library 2.0 is completely user-centred and user-driven allowing for client participation and opens the Library up as it has no barriers and has systems that are flexible. However, the role of the user and the Librarian are not always clear. In turn it makes the library matter once again because it expands the value to users and lets them tailor services to their needs. There are ongoing implications for Library 2.0 in relation to the rapid change of the web and the continual need for innovative change to facilitate new web technologies and for library services to stay abreast of these changes.


References:

Chad, K., & Miller, P., ‘Do Libraries Matter? The rise of Library 2.0’,
http://www.%20talis.com/news/pdfs/do_libaries_matter.pdf
{viewed 02 September 2007}


Maness, J., (2006). ‘Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and its implications for libraries’. Webology, 3(2).
http://www.webology.ir/2006/v3n2/a25.html.
{viewed 01 September 2007}