Reflection: Library 2.0

 March 8th class


What I liked: "An attitude, not technology"  This adage brings into focus the essence of library 2.0.  Library 2.0 isn't about what technologies libraries have adopted but how they apply the philosophies of web 2.0 into a new service model.  It's a classic "can't see the forest for the trees" situation that I, myself, have a tendency to slip into.  Instead of being concerned with what tech fads to jump on, we should be continually aware of how to incorporate the concepts of openness, sharing, participation, content creation, and user-centeredness.  Technology isn't the goal, it's the medium.

What I agree with:  I very much agree with the idea that libraries are in the midst of a necessary change, and that libraries that do not change become obsolete and risk closure.  Libraries have always been an information provider, a place to serve information needs.  For a long time, libraries enjoyed the security that came from relatively unchanged information behavior and environment -- wanted to learn something?  Then you needed to go to the library to get a book.

But now, thanks to a new information environment through the internet, information behavior has drastically and irrevocably changed.  Libraries are now a secondary (or tertiary) source of information - but that's OK (it has to be).  Libraries now have to adjust their missions and find their new service models, not to compete with the internet, but to compliment it.

What I disagree with:  Even though libraries should adopt new library 2.0 service models, I don't think it should completely eschew traditional services.  The libraries brand is still books and we should not forsake that perception.  Even though there is a definite shift to digital, there will always be at least some demand for traditional services.  Let's not throw out the baby with the bathwater.

I'm still curious about:  Libraries are still in midst of change, so like most library professionals, I'm curious what the library will look like when the dust settles (or if it ever does).  From now on will libraries be in a constant state of flux due to continually adjusting to meet evolving information needs or will it find a relatively stable niche?