Building Academic Library 2.0

After viewing the YouTube clip Building Academic Library 2.0 and listening to Meredith Farkas’ (keynote speaker) address, it became apparent to me that Library 2.0 isn't really something all that shiny and new. Library 2.0 is really just an extension of what libraries have been doing for a long time, aside from using different tools, having a greater audience reach and a massively larger pool of information to dip into.

What strikes me as key here is, that at a time when our audience is moving away and bypassing the library to satisfy information needs, the expertise of librarians and other information professionals is more vital than ever. Particularly, if users are to discover and gain access to the most relevant, current and authoritative information. Hence the need to adopt Web 2.0 strategies.

I also agree with Meredith when she prefers the view of “evolution” in libraries rather than “revolution”. Librarians have always been early adopters of new forms of technology; Web 2.0/Library 2.0 is no different. The roadblocks are privacy, copyright, and risks to reputation, which are open to abuse like never before in a Web 2.0 world.

The video offers much advice for academic libraries in adopting and embracing a Library 2.0 ethos. Highlighted here are five (5) pieces of this advice, all from Meredith’s presentation:

1. Web 2.0 tools can take information and the library’s message out to where users are, and help arrest the drift away from libraries. Potential applications include creating hooks into social networks that point to the library website, embedding services in social networking spaces, and using Web 2.0 to market collections e.g. links to collections through Wikipedia.
2. Trust users as partners in developing the library, its future services and collections. Listening to users and building participation by getting past the notion of librarians as experts, instead partners in learning.
3. Get rid of the “culture of perfect”. “Perfection” stifles experimentation and innovation, whereas being less risk averse and willing to give things a go, even if it means failing from time to time, is important to learning. Deliver not quite there or “perpetual beta” services and products, employing agile methods and continuous improvement approaches, working with and testing services on users. At least then users have access to the service/product now, and can have some input into its further development.
4. Keep abreast of emerging technologies and opportunities, and new applications of technology. Canvass networks and be aware of trends. Provide library staff with time to test and learn new technologies. 
5. Most importantly, Library 2.0 is about being transparent. Creating two-way communication channels (such as a Blog), being open to criticism, assessing the impact of services and products iteratively, and having a preparedness to change to accommodate user needs. These are all essential to the sustainability of any organisation (libraries included).

A place from which to start building a Library 2.0 strategy.

Farkas, M. (2008, January 24). The essence of Library 2.0? [Web log post].
      Information Wants To Be Free RSS. Retrieved from
      http://meredith.wolfwater.com/wordpress/2008/01/24/the-essence-of-library-
      20/

Librarians Association of the University of California, Berkeley Division
      (Producer). (2007, November 19). Building academic library 2.0
      [Video]. Retrieved from
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?=q_uOKFhoznI