Week 6 No 15 Web 2.0 Library 2.0 and future of libraries

According to the web article Web 2.0 where will the next generation of web take libraries, Library 2.0 is said to be a 'new concept for delivering and developing library service'. The article also mentioned that Web 2.0, moves from simply searching web sites to using what this article terms a shared network space for work, research, education, entertainment and play.

The net article Away from icebergs described three icebergs for libraries, including collecting large amounts of print resources, not creating easy gateways to online resources, and not bringing libraries to individual patron. I have been working in libraries for 20 years in that time many have predicted icebergs of various sizes and destruction capabilities. Each time, librarians as a world collective have managed to rise to the challenge and adapt to and drive change. I am sure that we will be able to embrace, drive, and push the boundaries of the understand of Library 2.0 and Web 2.0, so that yet again that iceberg can sink another sleeping profession not our loved and cared for libraries.

In the web article Into a new world of librarianship, traits of a library 2.0 were described. Including a library 2.0 will look at and deliver technology that the user needs and wants. This is nothing new, fantastic mangers like Lee Ellis and Carmel Higgins long retired have done this for years, when introducing new resources like cd roms, videos, cds, word processing, Internet, scanners, book talks, author talks and the like to their community library. This article also talked about making fast decisions. I found this concept interesting, I think we as a profession have embraced new service to our library patrons, I remember reading that Camberwell Library was the first to introduce a photocopier for patron use, and for a person who remembers using carbon to make copies this was an important development.

The future will see libraries move from Library 1.0, to Library 2.0 and into the future of Library 3.0. Courses like this one set up the Victorian Public library Network and The State library of Victoria will help librarians like me stay on the cutting edge of what libraries are now, and in the future. I am confident that with vigilance, good training and inspirational leaders librarianship will continue to exist in some form that involves librarians being the link between the public and great things to read and experience and information. Even today I am astounded at how many savey net users who still cant do an advanced search.