#16. Library 2.0 (week 9)

Library 2.o is a 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, and 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 is 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 to ten years from now, will look substantially different from libraries today.

From the OCLC Next Space Newsletter is Web 2.0: Where will the next generation of the web take libraries? NextSpace asked a futurist, three librarians and an OCLC Vice President to comment on the library possibilities of Web 2.0.

Five Perspectives:

• Away from Icebergs


• Into a new world of librarianship


• To more powerful way's to cooperate


• To better bibliographic services


• To a temporary place in time

Library 2.0 Discussions (list of great references from Wikipedia

Exercise:

1. Read two or three of the perspectives on Library 2.o from the list above. Create a blog post about your thoughts on any one of these.

2. Library 2.0 - It's many things to many people. What does it mean to you?


We hope you're enjoying all the exercises you've done so far. Keep having fun exploring and thinking about Web 2.0/Library 2.0.