Taking the information to the public through Library 2.0

Abstract

PurposeLibraries as they are known today can be defined by the term Library 1.0. This defines the way resources are kept on shelves or at a computer behind a login. These resources can be taken from a shelf, checked out to the librarian, taken home for a certain length of time and absorbed, and then taken back to the library for someone else to use. Library 1.0 is a one‐directional service that takes people to the information that they require. Library 2.0 – or L2 as it is now more commonly addressed as – aims to take the information to the people by bringing the library service to the internet and getting the users more involved by encouraging feedback participation. This paper seeks to present an overview of Library 2.0.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents an overview of Web 2.0 including definitions, technologies involved and sites currently advocated as examples of Web 2.0.FindingsThe major difference between Library 1.0 and L2 is that Library 1.0 only allows for a one‐way flow of information while L2 is a read‐write library that gives library users the power to decide the service that they get. L2 reinforces the role libraries play in the community by building on today's best and continually improving the service. L2 can be summarized as being user‐driven and aiming to save each library user time in retrieving information.Originality/valueLibraries have been around for centuries and are considered places in which books, journals, CDs, etc. are kept for reference or for borrowing by the public. The term L2 was believed to have been first made by Michael Casey in his blog LibraryCrunch. Chad and Paul Miller describe Library 2.0 (L2) as a concept, very different from the service one knows today, that operates according to the expectations of today's users. They state that with this concept the library will make information available wherever and whenever the user requires it. One point to note here is that this concept is not about replacing the 1.0 technology already being used but rather about adding additional functionality.

Wagga Wagga Women’s Wireless and the Web: local studies and new technologies

“…Static Web pages are Web 1.0, providing information, but today's online environment is not just for finding information but also for shopping, sharing photos, downloading and social networking with people all over the world (Curran, Murray & Christian, 2007). Web 2.0 is interactive, inviting user participation, seeking new users and better serving existing users.…”

“…They may contain hyperlinks, photos and videos and are interactive as readers are able to add their own comments. Librarians use blogs as a means to disseminate news, for knowledge management, and to obtain feedback from clients (Curran, Murray & Christian, 2007). In the case of the 2WG Women's Club project, two blogs were created which enabled further access to the collection and, more importantly, gave readers the opportunity to interact with the collection and add their personal memories to those more formally recorded through the interviewing process.…”

The Application of Library Outreach Strategies in Archival Settings

“…Nevertheless, rapid developments in technology, accompanied by changes in user expectations, have caused some information professionals to feel threatened. Simultaneously, such trends have given others pause to consider the ways in which their organizations deliver services and engage with the public (Chad & Miller, 2005;Chowdhury, Poulter & McMenemy, 2006;Curran, Murray & Christian, 2007;White, 2007).…”

“…When Tim O'Reilly described what he saw as the Web's new direction, he identified wikis, tagging, syndication, blogging, and websites that have a strong social or participatory quality as some of the key heralds of this change (O'Reilly, 2005). Library 2.0, an offshoot of the Web 2.0 phenomenon, is not intended to replace traditional services, but seeks to apply the spirit and sometimes the technology of Web 2.0 to the ways in which staff and the public interact, recognizing that community 'is the new nexus for information'' (Chad & Miller, 2005;Curran, Murray, & Christian, 2007;Kroski, 2007Kroski, , p. 2011). …”

Potential Uses of Web 2.0 Tools for Library Client Communication and Relationship Development

“…Libraries should exploit the new possibilities for interaction with clients that the Internet/web offers and use novel methods and channels to design and deliver their services, keeping in mind the concepts of customer relationship management and relationship marketing (see Wang, 2007). Library 2.0 is a reaction to the webbased developments in ICT and the widespread use of social software (see Curran et al, 2007). To improve communication with their users, libraries can use Web 2.0 tools and services like wikis, blogs, RSS, mash-ups, or even Facebook (Alsbjer, 2008).…”