Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Web 2.0

Library 2.0 is driven by Web 2.0 and, to be honest, wrapping your head around "2.0" is something of a challenge. At its core, 2.0 is about relationships and a rich user experience. Web 2.0 sites like Flickr, Writely, Wikipedia, Squidoo, MySpace, del.icio.us, and many, many more allow users to collaborate & share online.

What does Web 2.0 mean for libraries? How does "your library 2.0" work? Read on...

What is Web 2.0 by Tim O'Reilly
Web 2.0 from Wikipedia
Addressing the Permanence Issue at www.blyberg.net
Social Software from Wikipedia
Library 2.0 in three easy steps Squidoo lens by Steve Wilson
Library 2.0 Reading List Squidoo lens by Jenny Levine & Michael Stephens

Personally, I am most excited by the fact that Web 2.0 levels the playing field. A tiny library can create a del.icio.us account and maintain an amazing list of annotated web resources. That list can then be shared with patrons as part of the library's reference collection. Photos of a library building project can be organized and shared via a Flickr account. Bookmark Writely on your public access computers and your patrons have a web-based word processor. Use instant messaging for free, virtual reference service. Create a library blog.

What are YOU doing with Web 2.0?

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