Virtual Librarianship: December 2007

Influence of new technologies

The development of library services is always under the influence of new technologies. Nowadays, you can't go to a library conference without hearing words like "Web 2.0", "Library 2.0", "Social networking". Apparently, these are the new trends of technologies and services applicable in the library environment and attracting librarians' attention. But before we go any further to link them to reference - the library component that our class is focusing on, we need to make sure we know what those terms mean. A few Google searches have resulted in the following definitions:

A social network service focuses on the building and verifying of online social networks for communities of people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others, and which necessitates the use of software. (see Wikipedia.com for more)
Web 2.0 refers to a perceived second generation of web-based communities and hosted services — such as social-networking sites, wikis, and folksonomies — which aim to facilitate creativity, collaboration, and sharing between users. (see Wikipedia.com for more)
Library 2.0 focuses on user-centered library services. (see the Library Journal article on Library 2.0 for more)

Basically, we can see that the changes that libraries are embracing is to build a customer-driven environment by taking advantage of the Web 2.0 technologies, including social network services. With the key concepts cleared up, let's move on and take a look at how libraries are doing at the Web 2.0 age.

Examples of libraries incorporating Web 2.0 in their services

Facebook applications related to library services

LibGuides: distribute library content to Facebook users
LibAds(sm): promote library information sources on Facebook
Mini Library: mini search box of The European Library, central access point to Europe's national libraries

Blogs

Flickr