Thing #15: Library 2.0

Thing #15: Library 2.0

All the exercises we've gone over so far are part of what's been named Web 2.0. Some people question whether this concept really exists, but it can't be denied that the Web has turned in a more user-generated direction. A large part of the people who use the web are now creating their own materials and personalizations.

As the web has changed over the past few years, so have the ideas of libraries. Library 2.0 is term used to describe a new set of concepts for developing and delivering library services. The name shares many of its same philosophies and concepts of Web 2.0, 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, as opposed to ours (library buildings, webpages, etc).

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, even five or ten years from now, will look substantially different from libraries today.

To complete Thing #15:

1) Take a look at the links below that explore the 2.0 philosophy:

• OCLC's article, "Web 2.0: Where Will the Next Generation Web Take Libraries?"
  
• Library 2.0: Service for the Next Generation Library


• Search Technorati, Delicious, or your favorite search site for blogs about Library 2.0 and see what those in the blogosphere have to say about the concept.
  

2) After reading these, post to your blog about your reaction and opinions on the idea of Library 2.0. What does the 2.0 movement mean to you? Its strengths? Weaknesses? What can we do to move in this direction to make things easier and more usable for our patrons?