1. Review of 'Library 2.0 theory: Web 2.0 and its implications for libraries'

Library 2.0 is a term applied to libraries that are utilising the functions and applications of Web 2.0 to provide online services to users of the library, and to also collaborate with users. Library 2.0 applies not only to the use of technology and applications that are Web 2.0, but also to the application of a service philosophy and a change in the way libraries communicate and interact with users.

Definition of Library 2.0 is subject to much debate and conjecture. Maness (2006) states that Library 2.0 is a ‘mashup’, a ‘combination of traditional library services and Web 2.0 services’. This statement can be improved with the adding of Casey’s statement that ‘Library 2.0 is a service philosophy’ and is simply a continuation of libraries to provide services to users. (Casey, 2006) Fundamental aspects of Library 2.0 include the use of multi-media services, a socially rich environment, innovation and the ability to change and adapt to changing technologies and placing the user of the library at the centre of services.

Library 2.0 opens up many avenues for successful librarian/user interaction. It is user centred and involves the user in aspects of the library that were previously only the domain of the librarian. The librarian can now facilitate and interact virtually with a user. Habib’s blog, LIS Michael Habib on library and information services, provides an interesting model of the communication overlap of academic, library and classroom interaction and uses physical and virtual interaction to further divide the areas. The library features in the middle of the model, showing the potential libraries have to make use of the interaction online using Web 2.0 services. Usage of Web 2.0 social networks such as Facebook, Flickr and MySpace can allow interaction and collaboration on a level that has rarely been attempted before.

The ability of libraries and librarians to take on Library 2.0 and further library science is also a further step towards maintaining a service philosophy to provide knowledge and reliable, helpful information to users. Maness (2006) uses the Web 2.0 online social networks such as MySpace, Facebook and Flickr to illustrate how interaction between librarians and users can guide users to getting exactly what information is needed. Online social networking between librarians and users has furthered the service philosophy of trying to provide an excellent level of service with every tool available.

Library 2.0 presents a difference in the way that libraries traditionally provide information services, but maintaining a traditional service philosophy, it uses the advances of Web 2.0 to provide users with a level of control and interaction but also strives to serve users in a traditional way of providing the best level of information and knowledge possible.



References

Maness, Jack M. (2006). Library 2.0 theory: Web 2.0 and its implications for libraries. Webology, 3(2), 2006. Retrieved August 23rd, 2007, from http://www.webology.ir/2006/v3n2/a25.html

Casey, M. (2006). Born in the biblioblogshpere. Library Crunch. Retrieved August 23rd, 2007 from http://www.librarycrunch.com/2006/01/post_1.html

Habib, Michael. (2006). Conceptual model for academic library 2006. LIS Michael Habib on library and information services. Retrieved August 23rd 2007 from http://mchabib.blogspot.com/2006/06/conceptual-model-for-academic-library.html