Library 2.0
From AmbientLibrarian
Contents |
What is Library 2.0?
Library 2.0 is a derivation of Web 2.0, and a new way to see library services. According to Casey and Savastinuk, "The heart of Library 2.0 is user-centered change. It is a model for library service that encourages constant and purposeful change, inviting user participation in the creation of both the physical and the virtual services they want, supported by consistently evaluating services. It also attempts to reach new users and better serve current ones through improved customer-driven offerings" (Casey and Savastinuk 2006).
Web 2.0 includes newer, more interactive technologies such as wikis, blogs, and RSS. For a brief definition and more on Web 2.0, visit the Glossary.
For a thorough education in Library 2.0, visit Five Weeks to a Social Library. "Five Weeks to a Social Library is the first free, grassroots, completely online course devoted to teaching librarians about social software and how to use it in their libraries. It was developed to provide a free, comprehensive, and social online learning opportunity for librarians who do not otherwise have access to conferences or continuing education and who would benefit greatly from learning about social software." Though the course is only offered to a limited number of participants at certain times, the content and Webcasts are freely available.
Library Services
Existing library services leading the way in Library 2.0
- The Biz Wiki
- The Biz Wiki is basically a wiki-powered pathfinder for business information resources available through Ohio University Libraries. It is an interactive, quickly-updated alternative to a subject guide.
- Blended Librarian
- Blending Instructional Design, Technology, and Librarianship
- E41ST (Futurelib 2006)
- "Enriching your Public Library experience"--E41ST lets you search for books, see Amazon reviews, and then search for the book in your local library, creating an integrated experience. The idea is similar to WorldCat and BookMarklets, but envisioned slightly differently by the creator.
- EngagedPatrons.org
- Offers free website services for qualifying public libraries. Allows libraries to offer users a more interactive web experience.
- Five Weeks to a Social Library
- "Five Weeks to a Social Library is the first free, grassroots, completely online course devoted to teaching librarians about social software and how to use it in their libraries. It was developed to provide a free, comprehensive, and social online learning opportunity for librarians who do not otherwise have access to conferences or continuing education and who would benefit greatly from learning about social software."
- La Crosse Public Library's Webpage
- Like many libraries, La Crosse Public Library of Wisconsin offers an "Ask a Librarian" service. However, they go a step farther with a meebo plugin on the front page, making it very easy to use the service and drawing customers back to the main page.
- Library 2.0 Podcasts
- ALA's site of Library 2.0 podcasts
- Library of Congress RSS Feeds
- Subscribe to one of the many LOC RSS Feeds.
- Library Success Online Reference
- Librarians discussing the IM software they like to use.
- Library Technology NOW
- Library technology news and product reviews written by library people for library people.
- Nancy Pearl's Book Lust Wiki
- Book Lust: A community for book lovers.
- NCSU Libraries Online Catalog (Futurelib 2006)
- This catalog--and the NCSU Libraries site--is worth a visit for ideas on how library web sites can be more dynamic and interactive. The Ask A Librarian page is especially inspiring. It's welcoming and offers options for any type of communicator. The option to IM a librarian is very 2.0.
Readings
- Library 2.0 Reading List
- Composed by Jenny Levine and Michael Stephens, the Library 2.0 Reading List was originally created for the ALA Library 2.0/Library Futures online course.
- Library 2.0 Roundup - Redux
- This is a HUGE list of blogs, blog entries, articles, presentations, and miscellaneous sites focused on Library 2.0
- Library 2.0: Service for the Next-Generation Library
- By Michael E. Casey and Laura C. Savastinuk
- Participatory Networks: The Library as Conversation
- By the Information Institute of Syracuse, commissioned by the American Library Association's Office for Information Technology Policy
- "Web 2.0 and Libraries: Best Practices for Social Software" Library Technology Reports (Jul/Aug 2006, vol. 42, no. 4)
- By Michael Stephens
References
- Casey, Michael, and Laura Savastinuk. 2006. Library 2.0. Library Journal [online]. September 1. (accessed November 25, 2006).
- Futurelib. 2006. futurelib/examples. November 17. (accessed November 25, 2006).
- Some of the links listed in the article above were discovered through this wiki page.
- O’Reilly, Tim. 2005. Web 2.0: Compact Definition?. O’Reilly Radar blog, October 1. (accessed November 3, 2006).
