Reading assignment (for July 18, 2009)

Library 2.0 theory : Web 2.0 and its implications for libraries

Maness, Jack M. (2006, June). Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries. Webology. Vol.3 No.2.

http://webology.ir/2006/v3n2/a25.html

Abstract
The paper/article defines Library 2.0 in connection with Web 2.0 (or the 2nd generation Web) as the application of interactive, collaborative and multi-media web-based technologies to web-based library services and collections. Web-based technologies and applications includes: synchronous messaging, streaming media, blogs and wikis, social networks, tagging, RSS feeds and the mashups. The author made some conclusion that in the utilization of Web 2.0 technologies, a meaningful change from the library’s services and collections will be made possible.

What I have learned:
1. The concept about Library 2.0.
2. New social networking sites namely: Del.icio.us, Frappr and LibraryThing that is about book sharing that I can compare to Flixster which is about sharing of favorite movies.
3. Mashups (Web 2.0 technologies).

Application/Implications:
The theory about Library 2.0 for me was very interesting. Imagine that if one of these days all of the libraries in this country would be glad and open to have a social networking interface as a personalized user profile. This will enable the users to interact with the librarian and to his community as well. The sharing of knowledge will also be practiced. This kind of idea can be applied to all libraries in able to have a user centered service. Sad to say that social networking sites were blocked from our institution for some reasons. :(