YESSLIBRARIAN: Library 2.0 Reading List

Greetings!

Welcome to the Library 2.0 Reading List originally created for the ALA Library 2.0/Library Futures online course.

Library 2.0 in Library Journal | Library 2.0 at Wikipedia

Web 2.0 Overviews & Articles

Optional reading. Resources for Web 2.0.

Intro to Web 2.0: Squidoo lens: Intro to Web 2.0 by Joshua Porter
MIT Technology Reviews: Social Machines: As advanced as our PCs and our other information gadgets have grown, we never really learned to love them. We've used them all these years only because they have made us more productive. But now that's changing. When computing devices are always with us, helping us to be the social beings we are, time spent "on the computer" no longer feels like time taken away from real life. And it isn't: cell phones, laptops, and the Web are rapidly becoming the best tools we have for staying connected to the people and ideas and activities that are important to us. The underlying hardware and software will never become invisible, but they will become less obtrusive, allowing us to focus our attention on the actual information being conveyed. Eventually, living in a world of continuous computing will be like wearing eyeglasses: the rims are always visible, but the wearer forgets she has them on -- even though they're the only things making the world clear.
Newsweek: The New Wisdom of the Web: Cover story on the new Web:

The massive success of MySpace and the exemplary strategy of Flickr are milestones in a new high-tech wave reminiscent of the craziness of the early dot-com days. This rebooting owes everything to the enhanced power and pervasiveness of the Web, which has finally matured to the point where it can fulfill some of the outlandish promises that we heard in the '90s. The generic term for this movement, especially among the hundreds of new companies jamming the waiting rooms of venture-capital offices, is Web 2.0, but that's misleading-some supposedly Web 1.0 companies like eBay and Google have been clueful about this all along. A more fitting description comes from Mary Hodder, the CEO of a social-video-sharing start-up called Dabble. (Since Dabble has not yet launched, I can't explain exactly what that means.) "This is the live Web," she says.
Time: the Multitasking Generation: Time cover story on wired kids:

Many students make brilliant use of media in their work, embedding audio files and video clips in their presentations, but the habit of grazing among many data streams leaves telltale signs in their writing, according to some educators. "The breadth of their knowledge and their ability to find answers has just burgeoned," says Roberts of his students at Stanford, "but my impression is that their ability to write clear, focused and extended narratives has eroded somewhat." Says Koonz: "What I find is paragraphs that make sense internally, but don't necessarily follow a line of argument."
Web 2.0 and Libraries: Best Practices for Social Software: A comprehensive, pass-around resource you and your fellow library staff members can consult to plan your library's social-software initiatives, Stephens's report details numerous successful library implementations of some of today's most used social-software tools, including:

Weblogs (blogs)
Podcasts
RSS feeds
Instant Messaging (IM)
Wikis
Flickr

In the issue, Stephens illustrates how libraries across North America are embracing social software to reach out to their patrons-the report is brimming with examples of libraries' cutting-edge social-software use and strategies, implementation case histories, and best-practice suggestions.

Definitions of L2

Library 2.0 is all about library users -- keeping those we have while actively seeking those who do not currently use our services. It's about embracing those ideas and technologies that can assist libraries in delivering services to these groups, and it's about participation -- involving users in service creation and evaluation. Library 2.0 is an operating model that allows libraries to respond rapidly to market needs. This does not mean that we abandon our current users or our mission. It is a philosophy of rapid change, flexible organizational structures, new Web 2.0 tools and user participation that will put the library in a much stronger position, ready to efficiently and effectively meet the needs of a larger user population.

Michael Casey LibraryCrunch
The principles of Library 2.0 seek to put users in touch with information and entertainment wherever they may be, breaking down the barriers of space, time and outdated policy. It is a user-centered paradigm focusing on knowledge, experience, collaboration, the creation of new content and encouraging the heart.

Michael Stephens Tame the Web
Library 2.0 is very much influenced by technology-driven, two-way, social interactions between staff and staff or staff and patrons. L2 has provided a framework within which we've been able to re-evaluate virtually every aspect of classical librarianship with the end goal of usability and findability in mind.

John Blyberg Blyberg.net
Library 2.0 = (books 'n stuff + people + radical trust) x participation

Darlene Fichter Read Darlene's complete Post here
Library 2.0 is the natural evolution of library services to a level where the library user is in control of how and when she gets access to the services she needs and wants.

Thomas Brevik, Library 1.5

Foundations of L2

Articles, blog posts and white papers.

Do Libraries Matter? (PDF) Chad & Miller: White paper from TALIS that began the discussion.

Put simply, libraries must now begin to use these Web 2.0 applications if they are to prove themselves to be just as relevant as other information providers, and start to deliver experiences that meet the modern user's expectations.
Do Libraries Matter: On Library & Librarian 2.0: Michael Stephens discusses the white paper for ALA TechSource readers, urging them to consider the principles and ideas of this meme.

These are the discussions that must take place in YOUR library. How will you change or improve services to match this new model? Chad and Miller detail four principles; let's look at them and ponder what libraries need to be thinking of sooner than later.
How do you share?: A response from librarian blogger Jessamyn West.

I think one downside to the blog blowup is that sometimes it's easy to put an idea out there online and think "Good, I got the ball rolling, now someone can pick that up and run with it." This is especially hard if we're in jobs or situations that don't allow us the freedom to explore the ideas we have or, in some cases, if our ideas don't jibe with our institutions learning and sharing styles. I like being a philosophizing librarian, but I also think it's important to meet the people who your ideas trickle down to, see how and why they repurpose it, or how and why it works or doesn't work. Our patrons share their hopes and dreams and foibles and ambitions with us all the time, it may be time to give back, become more interactive and collaborative, make that door swing both ways. This is what Library 2.0 means to me.
Where Do We Begin? A Library 2.0 Conversation with Michael Casey: Michael Stephens & Michael Casey discuss L2 and offer steps to move forward.

I hope we can see L2 as a path toward change, toward improvement of services. If we try to overdefine it, we'll never get out of the gate. In some ways, yes, I do think we are our own worst enemies. We get stuck in ruts, providing the same services to the same groups of people, without looking beyond our world to the masses that do yet not use our services. I often speak of reaching for that "Long Tail," the concept of trying to drive toward the large numbers that don't even think of the library as a resource to be used. If we cannot break out of that mold, that way of thinking, then we will never progress.
Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and Librarian 2.0: Preparing for the 2.0 World: Stephen Abram on 2.0:

The beauty of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 is the level of integration and interoperability that is designed into the interface through your portal or intranet. That's where the real power to enhance the user experience is. In order to take advantage of the concepts inherent in Library 2.0 is the imperative to not shy away from adding advanced functionality and features directly into the content. This would provide the context and workflow-oriented features that users will demand or are demanding already.
Library 2.0 in the Real World: Jenny Levine presents a concrete example of L2 thinking. Casey Bisson's WPopac is a Web catalog built on open source weblog software.

So between the screenshots, list of features, and this example, hopefully this helps clarify where many of us think library services need to go online, which is basically wherever the users are. That means disconnecting our services from being locked away in proprietary silos that patrons have to come to our sites to use. It means getting ourselves out into the major search engines (including ones that search HTML, RSS, OPML, etc.). It means adding interactive features that let users contribute and collaborate with us. It means using the tools and protocols the rest of the world uses so that we can be integrated into their environments, not forcing them to conform to ours.
Web 2.0: Building the New Library: Paul Miller of TALIS explores some of the recent buzz around the concept of 'Web 2.0' and asks what it means for libraries and related organisations.

Libraries were once the guardians of knowledge, and the point at which those seeking existing knowledge would engage with it. With the rise of Google, Amazon, Wikipedia and more, there is an oft-stated fear that many users, much of the time, will bypass processes and institutions that they perceive to be slow, unresponsive, unappealing and irrelevant in favour of a more direct approach to services offered by others that just might be 'good enough' for what they need to do.

Libraries should be seizing every opportunity to challenge these perceptions, and to push their genuinely valuable content, services and expertise out to places where people might stand to benefit from them; places where a user would rarely consider drawing upon a library for support.
Whatever tools take us there are the ones we will use: Michael Casey on the tools of L2:

I think the first thing we need to realize is that Library 2.0 is not a fixed target, and every library's starting point is going to differ. If you've integrated change into every level of your service creation structure then kudos to your system, but most libraries have not reached that point yet, and for them, reaching that stage is a major mile marker on the way to 2.0.

It's easy to say that technology is a panacea for all library service woes, but it's simply not so. New technologies have been allowing us to provide better and better service for years; it's just that we've been providing that service to the same customer base, without effectively reaching out to that part of the demographic that have never been library users. Reaching this diverse group - this long tail, if you will - is a fundamental goal of 2.0.
School Library 2.0: Christopher Harris on School Library 2.0, or "the digitally re-shifted library:"

School Library 2.0 is about refocusing attention to the possibilities provided to a school when it makes use of the school library platform. In addition to librarians, who may base from a library but will also most likely be called upon more and more to be pedagogy and curriculum consultant teachers, the SL2.0 platform can also provide access to resources from and through the library platform in both physical and digital modes. One way to enhance the access is through the use of Web2.0 applications like blogging, RSS, social bookmarking, and wikis. When the school library is a platform, that means it can be like a basecamp (kind of like a BaseCamp) for Web2.0 tool implementations. This only makes sense%u2026as a platform, the school library is the base for curriculum support resources in all their varied formats.
Find the Edge, Push It!: John Blyberg describes the transformative realms of L2:

One of the questions posed to the panel was, where can Library 2.0 make a difference now? Where is the action? I had mentioned four particular areas where I thought L2 could be a change agent: technology, policy, programming, physical spaces. It's important to note that these four areas of change are in no way inherently "library 2.0%u2033-just a part of the conversation.

Discussions of the 2.0 Meme

Community 2.0: Ellyssa Kroski on building community via 2.0 Tools:

Times have changed. The Web has too. What was once considered an ancillary feature of Internet websites has suddenly become the raison d'être. Community is the new consumption. With the emergence of new Web 2.0 tools, the non-technical person has been given a major voice online. In today's online environment all users, regardless of programming knowledge, have been empowered and given a sense of value.
Non-Profit 2.0: Fascinating post in response to discussiuons of the future of non-profits. Read the comments as well:

The essence of Marnie's post for me was that web2.0 technologies are (potentially) driving nonprofits to be more transparent and deliver information and programs that provide better personal attention. From that perspective, it creates a certain amount of competition among NPOs (as well as collaboration opportunities) to really step up and provide services that people need.

Discussions of Library 2.0

Many LIS bloggers continued the discussion and debate via their blogs. Here are just a few of the the posts:

A clear vision for the future of your library: Meredith Farkas:

Maybe it would make sense to ask the miracle question in our libraries. If a miracle occured one night and all of the problems with your library were gone (or we miraculously reached library 2.0 overnight), how would you know that a miracle had occurred? What would be different? What would the library be like? Once you have that vision for what your library/Library 2.0 should look like, what specific steps do you and your colleagues need to take to get there (how do you get to 1.3, 1.6, etc.)? Once you have your answer to those questions, you should have a clear roadmap for reaching your goal. And it's a roadmap written specifically for your library.
What 2.0 Means to me: Scott Walter at the ACRL Blog offers his view of 2.0 and how it realtes to the academic library setting:

Likewise, it is very "2.0 to integrate information literacy instruction into campus educational opportunities outside the classroom, e.g., residence hall and Greek life education, and as part of staff development and faculty development programs sponsored by units such as Human Resources and the Center for Teaching Excellence. Both foster integration, interaction, user feedback, and permeable boundaries between library and other campus services - the very heart of the "Library 2.0%u2033 concept; the heart of the library as "open system."
5 Suggestions for Upgrading to Library 2.0 (or Some Easy Steps to Get Started...Really): Michael Stephens on 5 things libraries can do to get started on a 2.0 path:

Start a library blog
Create an Emerging Technology Committee
Train staff to use an RSS aggregator
Experiment and use 2.0 Tools
Implement IM reference
Cites & Insights on Library 2.0 & "Library 2.0" (PDF): Walt Crawford comments and collects blog posts on L2.

Maybe there's a need for more conversations about what libraries can and should do and be. If you accept that it's not possible to be the primary current information source for the whole community and that you can't do everything for everybody, you can start to focus on where new resources should be used, within the context of today's community, tomorrow's needs, and those not well served by other community services. I don't believe those conversations are specific to Library 2.0 or "Library 2.0."
Cites & Insights on Library 2.0 and "Library 2.0": Blogger Thomas Brevik from Norway discusses Crawford's commentary.

So far it is probably the most thorough treatment of the Library 2.0 conversation that is going on in the biblioblogosphere. Although I think it is a useful piece of work I do worry that the focus is too narrow. Maybe the time for such a summing up has not come. The conversation is new. Crawford seems to have about commented on almost all posts on the Library 2.0 discussion so far. If we say that this conversation is about 6-7 months old it certainly needs a little more time before we should start to dismiss it, or even say that we know what it is.
11 reasons why Library 2.0 exists and matters: John Blyberg explores L2 concepts and the ongoing discussions (backlash!?):

I differ with those that believe L2 is all theory and no action. I'm seeing a number of libraries taking the initiative right now. There are not just gaming conferences, there are actual gaming programs. Individuals are not just talking about their plans to use IM for virtual reference-they're doing it now. Coffee shops are opening up in libraries, policies are being rewritten, facilities are being built to reflect some of these changes. I don't buy that L2 is a passing fancy. In fact, L2 is partially an articulation of the action that is already happening.
L2 Discussions at ALA TechSource: Follow this link for all posts at the ALA TechSource Blog tagged "library 2.0."
On the L2 Train: John Blyberg discusses L2, the IT department and "buzzwords."

I'd suggest that librarians not shut themselves off to the discussions taking place. "Library 2.0" may be a buzz word, but it's not a weightless one. There is actual work and intelligent discussion that accompanies it. L2 is certainly not about exclusion-quite the opposite. You will do yourself and your organization a great disservice is you embed yourself in a semantic quagmire.
A Library 2.0 skeptic's reading list: Steve Lawson collects a few more discussions of the L2 meme with a skepticl theme.

Graphics for the Library 2.0 Meme

By Bonaria Biancu & John Blyberg

Library 2.0 meme map - version 2.0 by bonariabiancu

Library 2.0 meme map - 2nd version

The 4 transformative realms of, um, er.. Library 2.0

Library 2.0 One of the main purposes of this model is to illustrate to myself how I think ab...

Articles for Discussion

These have been used in various Learning 2.0 programs.

Library 2.0 By Casey & Savastinuk: From Library Journal: Libraries are changing. Funding limits and customer demands are transforming staffing levels, service models, access to resources, and services to the public. Administrators and taxpayers are seeking more efficient ways of delivering services to achieve greater returns on financial investments.

Enter Library 2.0. This new model for library service is being discussed online, at conferences, in administrative offices, and at the reference desk. If you and your library staff are not among those already talking 2.0, pay attention; Library 2.0 could revitalize the way we serve and interact with our customers.

The heart of Library 2.0 is user-centered change. It is a model for library service that encourages constant and purposeful change, inviting user participation in the creation of both the physical and the virtual services they want, supported by consistently evaluating services. It also attempts to reach new users and better serve current ones through improved customer-driven offerings. Each component by itself is a step toward better serving our users; however, it is through the combined implementation of all of these that we can reach Library 2.0.
Into a New World of Librarianship by Stephens: From OCLC: One of the principles I would add to the Library 2.0 meme is that "the Library is human" because it makes the library a social and emotionally engaging center for learning and experience. Librarian 2.0, then, is the "strategy guide" for helping users find information, gather knowledge and create content. The most important traits of Librarian 2.0 include:
Librarians 2.0 plans for their users This librarian bases all planning and proposals for services, materials and outreach on user needs and wants. User-centered libraries breakdown barriers and allow users access wherever they are: home, work, commuting, school, or at the library. This involves users from the get go in planning and launching services based on their needs. This librarian asks what new technologies or new materials users need. This librarian proposes building projects and involves users in designing those places. This librarian does not create policies and procedures that impede users' access to the library. This librarian tells users how resources and funds will be expended. Decisions and plans are discussed in open forums and comments are answered. This makes the library transparent.

Flickr pictures tagged "Library 2.0"

TBLC Library 2.0 Cha...

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Old school Technorat...

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This is what danish...

This is what informa...

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del.icio.us / tag / ALAL2

These are sites/articles/posts tagged by the course creators:

LibraryCrunch: Library 2.0 via a 1.0 Delivery Company
The Shifted Librarian: How's that ALA L2 Course Going?
Five Weeks To A Social Library | The first free, grassroots, completely online course devoted to teaching librarians about social software
Texas Forums Squidoo!
Library 2.0 reading list
Half an Hour: Identity Networks Are Here

L2 Podcasts & Webcasts

Library 2.0 Gang at TALIS: At the end of January, Talis invited a number of those active in the discussion around Library 2.0 to join us on the telephone for the first in a series of conversations intended to probe this emerging space.

Participants were drawn from Europe and North America, and included both the originator of the term and several proponents, as well as more critical voices suggesting that the term itself is possibly obscuring underlying trends.

In this 50 minute edited version of the conversation, we explore what 'Library 2.0' means, and look at some of the changes that this phrase has attempted to capture.
A SirsiDynix Institute Conversation: The 2.0 Meme - Web 2.0, Library 2.0, Librarian 2.0: This conversation has been developing under the series title, Library 2.0. It's a hot conversation and very interesting since the participants have been musing about:
What the next generation of our libraries' Web presence might look like
How we might get there
What are the best components to use
This SirsiDynix Institute is set up as a conversation with three people who are seriously thinking about how to create the next generation of library Web presence - even before we've finished the last generation. Moderated by Stephen Abram, our panel of Michael Casey, Michael Stephens, and John Blyberg will share their insights.

YESSLIBRARIAN

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Library 2.0 Reading List