Thing# 15: Thoughts on Library 2.0

The concept of Library 2.0 and Web 2.0, now ubiquitous buzz words, emerged in the last few years from new models of business and social networking. If I had realized the term "librarian 2.0" was so common I would have chosen a less generic title for this blog. The shift to a less centralized, more socially networked, user-friendly online environment is a natural outgrowth of a more interactive, less static, rapidly evolving web. I have to agree with those who write that the whole concept of what libraries should be and provide to the public is changing. Like it or not, we must adapt to the changing technological and social environment or risk becoming dinosaurs.

The digital delivery of information has completely transformed the way information is transmitted, received, and controlled. While we see ourselves as the protectors and curators of the written word, much like the Irish monks who protected and illuminated manuscripts during the Dark Ages, there is also a positive side to digital publishing. No book need ever go out of print. Most people do not realize that ever since the IRS ruling in the '80s that publisher's inventories of books be taxed, the vast majority of books published go out of print within a year. This need not be the case with new ways of storing and delivering information. Demand publishing can provide a copy of even the most obscure works--for a price, of course.

As information specialists and professionals we need to at least be familiar with e-books, podcasts, newsfeeds, etc. just to keep up. On the other hand, as many librarian bloggers have noted, just because we make the technology available and zealously promote it, the public at large has often not responded or shown any interest. Good theory does not necessarily work out in actual practice.

There has been so much written about Library 2.0 and the obvious next step--making the interface between user and information simpler, easier, and more user-friendly--we can hardly keep up. And just as we are learning what 2.0 means, right around the corner is Web 3.0 and Library 3.0. Just try googling "library 3.0" and see how many hits come up.