Week6, Thing 15: Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and the future of libraries

Although the exercise was to read 2 or 3 of the perspectives, I read all of them, as well as several of the discussions listed. This is a fascinating subject, with many aspects to consider. I agreed with most of the points mentioned in Into a new world of librarianship. Michael Stephens' strategy guide for librarians to help users find information makes sense, and most of these strategies are probably being used by well informed and conscientious librarians already. I also agreed with the suggestions for improvements in metadata in To better bibliographic services. I was more critical of the Away from the "icebergs" article, however. In listing impediments to serving patrons in a changing world, Rick Anderson seems to ignore the importance of collections to those who are not comfortable with accessing materials online or who still want a book to read in bed or at the beach. Although librarians should make it easier for patrons to access the information they need, part of that process is teaching research skills and how too use the new technologies available to access information. I tink his concern about libraries not recognizing the need to serve patrons outside of the library building is unfounded. The problem is not recognition of the need but lack of resources.

After all of the positive articles about Web 2.0 and Library 2.0, I also read the article by Walt Crawford in Cites and Insights, Library 2.0 and "Library 2.0", in which the author cautions against getting caught up in the hype of "Library 2.0" and abandoning current services in order to implement new technologies. He stressed the importance using Library 2.0 principles and associated technologies to improve and enhance current services.