Val's Blog: The Use of Web 2.0 Tools in Libraries: February 2013

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

What is Library 2.0 and Web 2.0?

Libraries are changing. Their main focus is to reach its users with the resources that it needs. Library 2.0 is usually any service that reaches it users successfully. It does not have to be new or online. Library 2.0 was first generated by Michael Casey and published in his blog, Library Crunch in 2006 (Gross & Leslie, 2008). Library 2.0 is a transformation of library services. It deals with the way library services are delivered to the users and allows the services to operate in an interactive collaborative atmosphere driven by the needs of the users. It also encourages synchronous social interactions between library staff and its users (Aquil, Parvez, Siddique, 2011). Web 2.0 tools are a good way for libraries to reach the level of service called Library 2.0.

Web 2.0 is a term first coined by Tim O’Reilly in a conference brainstorming session between O’Reilly and MediaLive International. According to O’Reilly, Web 2.0 is “the business revolution in the computer industry caused by the move to the internet as platform, and an attempt to understand the rules for success on that new platform” (Harinarayana & Raju, 2010). A simpler definition of Web 2.0 is “a space that allows anyone to create and share information online – a space for collaboration, conversation, and interaction; a space that is highly dynamic, flexible, and adaptable” (Harinarayana & Raju, 2010). Web 2.0 includes web based services such as social networking sites, wikis, blogs, social bookmarking, photo, and video sharing sites. The creation of Web 2.0 has caused libraries to change.

References

Aqil, M., Ahmad, P., & Siddique, M. (2011). Web 2.0 and libraries: Facts or myths. DESIDOC Journal Of Library & Information Technology, 31(5), 395-400.

Harinarayana, N. & Raju, N. (2010). Web 2.0 features in university library web sites. The Electronic Library, 28(1), 68-88. doi: 10.1108/02640471011023388

Introduction

Libraries are forever changing and require technologically savvy professionals to assist patrons with new resources within the library. Many people who work in libraries today did not need much technological knowledge when they first started in the profession. Today, a working knowledge of existing and emerging technologies is a must for librarians and staff. Hence, the need for continuing education programs for current library employees as well as changes to the teaching of technology in the library and information science curriculum. These issues need to be addressed so staff and future information professionals can keep pace with the changing needs and expectations of their users. The different types of Web 2.0 tools, social networking, wikis, blogs, social bookmarking and picture and video sharing sites can all be used by libraries to reach its users and provide important information on the various services that they offer.