Library 2.0 Theory : Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries

Library 2.0 Theory : Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries
Maness, Jack. Library 2.0 Theory : Web 2.0 and Its Implications
for Libraries [Electronic Version].Webology 3(2), June 2006.
http://www.webology.ir/2006/v3n2/a25.html

Abstract of the Article:

Libraries are cornerstone of a knowledge society, that puts them at the center of learning, culture and community life. Now libraries and librarians have the opportunity to take part in existing knowledge communities. As we all know technology is expanding every now and then just like in our libraries. Libraries are moving into web 2.0 and it only has just began. Web technologies allow us to converse and communicate with library as never before. Through these online communities, people are not only creating and publishing content but also sharing it with others. These includes blogs, wikis, tagging, RSS feeds, mash ups. The article point out the four essential elements of library 2.0, It is user centered, it provides a multimedia experience, it is socially rich, it is communally innovative. We should not forget that librarians have used various mechanisms for social interaction and knowledge exchange over the years. This can be the start of a new library technology.

Three (3) things I Learned from the article :

1. Web 2.0 is an easy ways to connect with other libraries and librarians. To reach people on their comfort zone especially for those people who spend time online.

2. Web 2.0 applications enable libraries and librarians to build a powerful web based tools such as search engines. It discovers information about specific technology, For instance, as a user browses through ceratin resources, repeating steps and moving on it again and again, by using web 2.0 these could be avoided. In a way web 2.0 will know when users are lost, and will offer immediate assistance.

3. Today, people from all walks of life can share their stories, participate, make friends and be heard and express their feelings, thoughts, share opinions on a certain things through online.

Reflections/ Implications :

Web 2.0 is a social phenomenon concerned with linking people to people, not just through information. These social tools offer the opportunity to form relationships with patron. It is also useful in a library setting because it can assist libraries and librarians who work in partnership from distant libraries. It much easier for the staff members who are located in separate building and still have a continous communication through the use of this technology web 2.0.