Thing 15: Library 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 Web 2.0 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
• Reworking library services to meet the users in their space, as opposed to ours (libraries).

Many have argued that the notion of 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.

Discovery Resources:

• OCLC Next Space Newsletter – Web 2.0: Where will the next generation of the web it take libraries?
  Five Perspectives:
  Away from 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)
• The Internet Can Change Your Life: A series of Daily Assignments designed to teach the newbie all the wonderful things the Internet has to offer Well worth keeping an eye on! By a Reference Librarian located in Guam!

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 - It's many things to many people. What does it mean to you?