Web 2.0/Library 2.0

Let me begin by saying I'm somewhat skeptical of extending metaphors beyond their originally intended meanings. I believe such is the case with the Library 2.0, Learning 2.0, Business 2.0 memes. While these memes as concepts do not lack meaning entirely, there are certainly enough dissimilarities between the aforementioned memes and what is meant by Web 2.0, to make a wholesale grafting of 2.0 onto any other institution, concept or verb (in the odd case of Learning 2.0) not entirely successful.

After reading the five perspectives from the OCLC Next Space newsletter, linked to from the PLCMC 23 Things site and some of the cited readings from the Wikipedia Library 2.o article I agree with Walt Crawford that Library 2.o's definition is somewhat nebulous. See Library 2.0 and 'Library 2.0'" Cites and Insights 6, 2. This doesn't mean that some of the stated goals of advocates of Library 2.0 aren't good goals. In fact, according to Crawford's argument many of them have been central tenets of librarianship for some time. (Same old wine, new bottles) I simply feel that a little caution and some healthy skepticism are in order as a counterweight to unabashed and unexamined enthusiasm for new technologies and gadgets.

Despite these stated reservations, I do think that the integration of Web 2.0 technologies into the library does and will offer expanded services and a greater degree of participation in the library for patrons. Does this constitute Library 2.o though, a new generation or new version of the library. Of this, I am less convinced. Looked at from an evolutionary perspective organisms and institutions sometimes change gradually and other times the changes are more radical more abrupt. But, they are never a complete break from the past.

Many of the 2.0 applications we have familiarized ourselves with thus far I believe have great utility and can improve library services and the patrons experience. Delicious and Rollyo are great tools for reference and can improve the efficiency of reference transactions with little effort behind the scenes. I think the crown jewel for Library 2.0 would be an improved OPAC catalog. Rather than having the OPAC catalog be a primarily one way transaction i.e content and metadata created by librarians and and then accessed by patrons. 2.0 technologies offer the possibility of a two way conversation with user generated metadata. LibraryThing I think offers a great model for what a participatory library catalog could be. Offering users the ability to tag books, write reviews, engage in on-line book discussions and get reading recommendations from other patrons adds value not only to the catalog but to the users' experience as well. Tagging and tag clouds would be especially great Reader's Advisory tools when a patron doesn't specifically know what they are looking for but has an idea of what they would like to read.

I believe that 2.0 applications can be used to strengthen core values of librarianship and enhance library services. But I don't believe that they are replacing an older outmoded version of the library.