#15 Week 6 Library 2.0

Study session for the Web2.0/Library 2.0.

I had a look at the resources suggested to learn some ideas and discussions about Library 2.0 concept to fit Web 2.0 technology development. The lists below are the resources that I chose to learn about this concept.

• Away from Icebergs by Rick Anderson
  
• Into a new world of librarianship by Michael Stephens
  
• Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/ing Us by Michael Wesch

To Summurise, Anderson emphasysed on importance of digital collections, easier search interface and remote access to library resources to adapt to 'post-print era'. Librarian 2.0 suggested by Stephens introduces guideline of librarian to assist customer by embracing web 2.0 technology in a well managed and sensible way. The short Youtube video clip created by Wesch shows us that the characteristics of Web2.0. Information will transfer and transform rapidly in the Web 2.0 word and generate huge amount of information. The life will change dramatically and we, the users, the individual will responsible for manage them.

It is still hard for me to imagine huge difference appearance of the library in the future, physically, even if information searching method will be dramatically changed. When PC communication came to our life, we imagined that people wouldn't go to school, to office to work. 20 years ago when I was studying literature and editing, people said printed book and publishers will disappear soon. But here I am working in the library and see many new books coming in the library. Customers in the libraries still looking for hard copies and computers are still difficult for many customers. Maybe it's because I am working in the front line where people need human touch.

However I can see that actually libraries are changing quietly. Our website already have Web 2.0 features such as blog, recommendation lists, RSS. Digital library and Ask Question let users can come to library virtually. I guess librarians daily tasks might include both web service and front line service or there may be need special librarians who only in charge of digital and web based service in the future. Time and cost will show us more clear picture. At the moment all I can do is to give very short introduction to digital library or recommended lists. I am still thinking where and when we can use this library 2.0 features more comfortably and efficiently in the front line.

While I am writing, I am still confused. There are too much information and too many comments. Too many different same things in Web 2.0 technology and many things looks easy but unclear. Is it one our quest to find way to reach right Information with quality and reliability through this information flood?