This is a review of an article by M. Casey and L. Savastinuk from the Library Journal, 9/1/2006. The article is entitled Library 2.0, service for the next-generation library. Casey and Savastinuk present the view that the Library today is in a state of change. The two major reasons for this change have been funding matters and user demands. The services offered by Libraries are changing. Casey and Savastinuk put in plain words how library services are developing from the introduction of Web 2.0 and are being known as Library 2.0.
Casey and Savastinuk suggest that Library 2.0 is any library service that is centred on customer needs. They claim that technology that has become available in recent times, known as Web 2.0, is being used in an endeavour to focus the Library service on customer needs. The authors’ explain that while the majority of the population do not use traditional library services, this technology is allowing the Library to reach out to those non-library users. The authors’ point of view is that Library 2.0 is essentially a library service that allows customer collaboration. The customer is able to adapt the service to meet his own needs and the Library regularly seeks and responds to feedback from the customer. Library 2.0 is about services that promote customer participation. Garcia states, “…the term not only encompasses the transition to technology-driven services but reflects the move to a more participatory and interactive model for service delivery” (Garcia 2008, p.36).
This article also presents some valid concerns by Librarians, in particular with regard to ILS (Intergrated Library System) Vendors who may seek to gain advantage in the collaborative environment of Library 2.0. The new technology that is helping create Library 2.0 may also create problems. O'Conner states, "..libraries used to operate in a monopoly environment, but now there are other businesses and options for their clients" (O'Conner, 2007 p. 69). However, Casey & Savastinuk acknowledge that although this technology is a part of Library 2.0, it is also more than this technology. Casey & Savastinuk inform the reader that not all Libraries are in a position to have a large staff of IT people to develop and implement new Library 2.0 facilities. Library 2.0 is the movement that is happening in the Library, whereby services are centred on the customer. Even a traditional type of service offered by a Library could be considered Library 2.0 if it has some of the essential elements. The service offered must seek customer collaboration to meet the customer's needs. The customer should be able to contribute to the service. The service must be constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the customer. Feedback must be frequently sought and appropriate responses implemented to optimise customer satisfaction. These are the ingredients for a Library 2.0 service.
Casey and Savastinuk have clearly detailed the current changes and directions happening in the Library of today. They have demonstrated the model of what makes a Library service defined as Library 2.0. Looking at this article it can be seen that Library 2.0 is the way of the future for the Library. People today are attracted by the collaborative nature of Web 2.0 technology and it makes sense to offer these popular facilities in Library services. Therefore, to be competitive in this environment, the Library must create and offer services that contain this collaborative type model which contain the essential elements mentioned earlier. This article is a very useful read for anyone studying Librarianship. It is written in language that is not too technical and gives a good overview of what is meant by Library 2.0.
Reference List
Casey M. E. & Savastinuk. L. C. (2006). Library 2.0: Service for the next-generation library. [Electronic Version]. Library Journal. 9/1. Retrieved August 1, 2008 from
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6365200.html?q=Library+2%2E0
Garcia, J. (2008, February). Library 2.0. The next chapter.
Government News. 36-38.
O'Connor, A. (2007). Special libraries and information services. In S. Ferguson (Ed.) Libraries in the twenty-first century : charting new directions in information services. (pp. 59-73). Wagga Wagga, NSW: Centre for Information Studies, Charles Sturt University.
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