Library 2.0

In his article on Web and Library 2.0, Maness (2006) calls for a standard definition for the term Library 2.0 to be used in the library science field. The definition he proposes is

‘the application of interactive, collaborative, and multi-media web-based technologies to web-based library services and collections’.

His definition rests heavily on an understanding of what Web 2.0 is and how it can be used to enhance library services.

So what is Web 2.0?

Maness describes Web 2.0 as developments that are ‘collaborative in nature, interactive, dynamic, and the line between the creation and consumption of content in these environments [is] blurred’. Essentially he is talking about the development of the static web into a community-based environment where everyone has the chance to direct the shape.

Leung (2007) considers Web 2.0 technologies all to be social networking technologies. In a sense she is right, since all Web 2.0 technologies are about interaction and user collaboration which is part of networking. Yet Abram (2006) explains that Web 2.0 is not only about community interaction but is also about ‘personalization [sic] and individualism’.

From Web 2.0 to Library 2.0

If Library 2.0 is the application of Web 2.0 technologies to library services, what does this mean for library services? Library 2.0 is about working with users to create user-focused products (Bolan, Canada & Cullin 2007). Librarians in Library 2.0 are no longer the gatekeepers to information, library users are becoming creators of content as well as users of content, traditional roles are becoming blurred. Librarians can use Web 2.0 technologies to promote this interactivity and to enhance traditional library services. It is important to note that traditional library services are not rejected, but are thrust forward to a whole new level (Huwe 2007).

What are the key elements of Library 2.0?

According to Maness (2006), the key elements of Library 2.0 are ‘synchronous messaging and streaming media, blogs, wikis, social networks, tagging, RSS feeds and mashups’. Leung (2007) adds to this list podcasts. Bolan, Canada and Cullin (2007) also include user added ratings or recommendations and, perhaps surprisingly, gaming.

Interestingly they consider Library 2.0 to entail not only technological innovations but also physical considerations. They point out that user collaboration in modifying physical library spaces will create a more inviting environment and is part of the overall of Library 2.0.

In a sense, all Web 2.0 technologies are mashups as they combine technologies to create new services (Maness 2006). The possible mashup creations are limited only by imagination. As Web 2.0 continues to develop, so too Library 2.0 will evolve as it is manipulated by the community it serves.

REFERENCES

Abram, S 2006 'Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and Librarian 2.0: Preparing for the 2.0 World', SirsiDynix OneSource, vol. 2, no. 1.
Bolan, K, Canada, M & Cullin, R 2007 'Web, library and teen services 2.0', Young Adult Library Services, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 40-43.
Huwe, T.K. 2007 'Surfing the Library 2.0 waves', Computers in Libraries, vol. 27, no.1, pp. 36-38.
Leung, D 2007 'What the bloody hell is Library 2.0?', Vic Specials, vol. 24, no. 1, pp. 6-7.
Maness, J.M. 2006 'Library 2.0 theory: Web 2.0 and its implications for libraries', Webology, vol. 3, no. 2, article 25.


This is a basic overview of Library 2.0 and its applications. To take a look at Maness’ article, click on the link in my Library 2.0 Links to ‘Library 2.0 theory: Web 2.0 and its implications for libraries’. You can also check out the other Library 2.0 links to get more information on the subject.