Library 2.0 and the New Librarianship

New Ways of Understanding Libraries

Dec 24, 2008 Allan Cho

Although a controversial term, Library 2.0 is already well-engraved in the library lexicon. Library 2.0 represent a new way of performing library services.

Library 2.0 is a transition within the library world in which programs and services are delivered to users in new and innovative methods. Not only are the principles of Library 2.0 entirely user-centered, but also in the collaboration with users on the creation of content and community, they also encourage using high-end technologies, particularly online web services like the use of websites, content management systems and catalogues that allow for the flow of information from the user back to the library. Many have argue that Library 2.0 applies the retail bookstore model of customer-driven marketing and operations with existing library principles.

Origins of Library 2.0

"Library 2.0" is a relatively new term coined by public librarian Michael Casey in 2005 in which he merged the terms Business 2.0 and Web 2.0 together with library concepts. Library 2.0 continued with its evolution at the Internet Librarian Conference in October, 2005, when library innovator Michael Stephens presented the principles of Library 2.0. But it wasn't until September 2006 with the publication of the article “Library 2.0: Service for the next-generation library” in the trade journal, Library Journal, that Library 2.0 truly made its mark in the libraries.

The Tenets of Library 2.0

Not only does Library 2.0 encourage user participation and feedback in the development and maintenance of library services, Library 2.0 is supposed to be continually evaluated and updated to meet the changing needs of library users. The active and empowered library user is a significant component of Library 2.0. With information and ideas flowing in both directions – from the library to the user and from the user to the library – library services have the ability to evolve and improve on a constant and rapid basis.

The user is participant, co-creator, builder and consultant – whether the product is virtual or physical. Library 2.0 many of the elements of Web 2.0 have applicable value within the library community, both in technology-driven services and in non-technology based services. In particular, he described the need for libraries to adopt a strategy for constant change while promoting a participatory role for library users.

Controversy

Library 2.0 has had much controversy in its short existences, particularly in the online environment among bloggers. In 2007, Wikipedia has put Library 2.0 on probation as it did not view Library 2.0 as a legitimate concept. Detractors of Library 2.0 argue that the key principles of Library 2.0 are not new and have been part of the service philosophies of library innovators since the beginning of librarianship.

Other skeptics contend that Library 2.0 not only requires more concrete examples of how libraries can achieve Library 2.0 status, but that Library 2.0 ultimately cannot be universally applicable for libraries, since all users and user communities are so complex and diverse.

Main Principles of Library 2.0

Although a great deal has been written about and theorized about Library 2.0, much of the dialogue revolves around five main principles:

• Libraries must embrace their communities and change along with them
• User-centered content and services maximizes the library's online web-presence
• The roles of librarian and user are not always clear and ever-changing
• A multi-media experience in which collections and services consist of both video and audio components
• Socially rich in which the library's web-presence encourages two-way communication between users and libraries

Library 2.0 and Web 2.0

Library 2.0 ultimately relies on the skillful use of emergent technologies to serve library patrons. Web 2.0 tools are often the key pieces which Library 2.0 proponents use in their daily work.

• Instant messaging
• Video sharing
• Podcasting
• Photo sharing
• Blogs and wikis
• Social networks
• Folksonomies and social tagging
• RSS feeds
• web mashups

While Library 2.0 is still an evolving concept, it nonetheless is a necessary development that encourages both users and libraries to reposition themselves and their ideas about how a library functions. It ultimately helps libraries to grow and develop as a significant cultural institution for society.

The copyright of the article Library 2.0 and the New Librarianship in Educational Issues is owned by Allan Cho. Permission to republish Library 2.0 and the New Librarianship in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.