Review 2– Library 2.0: service for the next-generation library

The nature of internet is changing to Web2.0, library environments is also changing. Librarians are trying to apply Web2.0 technology to library services. This topic is discussed in the article ‘Library 2.0-Services for the next-generation library’ by Michael E. Casey and Laura C. Savastinuk. In this article, the changes which library faced, the difficulties on applying Library 2.0 services, both physical and virtual are widely discussed.

What is Library 2.0?
Web2.0 is involving users to participation in the internet; Library 2.0 is inviting users to create both the physical and virtual services they want. As the article said,’ the hearty of Library 2.0 is user-centered change.’ The important issues which are highlighted in the article are how to tap the new users and how library keep up with the changing needs of library users. Library 2.0 similar to Web2.0, it will be a meeting place where users able to create their content and information.

Long Tail
Traditionally, librarians satisfy in providing major services to major group of customers. Libraries effort in providing different services such as Interlibrary Loan, or home delivery books to their users. However, as article states, ‘non-users might be better served if librarians consider what’s called the long tail’, (Casey & Savastinuk, 2006).Long Tail is not always better be served as well as ibrary services are not being used by a majority group. Without consulting with users is difficult to evaluate the library services meet the users needs and want. In order to know the needs and desire of users, librarians are trying to use Web 2.0 technology to enhance the interaction with users.


the yellow bar is long tail
Source from OCLC

The aim of Library 2.0 models is giving library users to participate in library services. As Casey & Savastinuk (2006) said, ‘Library 2.0 model seeks to harness our customer’s knowledge to supplement and improve library services’. Long tail can give comment, write reviews, and create their own tags and ratings on library webpage. By consulting the expectation and needs of the long tail, librarians provide more customized services so that users may feel library is improved.

Difficulties
No doubt that Library 2.0 can improve library services, but Library 2.0 is technology based so that not all the Library can employ programmes or maintain a large IT staffs. The major concept of Library 2.0 is creating communication with library users. It requires a lot of time and human resources to harvest, analyses and give feedback to the users’ opinions. Therefore, if libraries are not really to enter the world of Library 2.0, it is better to consider physical functions that will better serve current customers as well as bring in the news one.

New model
Although there is many consideration of applying Library 2.0 in Libraries, authors had given several successful examples. Such as South Huntington Public Library provides and iPod Shuffle loan Program and some of the libraries had created special area for teens and community activities. To successfully provide and improve library services, libraries should have a ‘tendency to plan, implement, and forget’(Casey & Savastinuk, 2006). Authors used the Public Library Association’s Planning as example to illustrate that the importance of measuring the worth of current services and system producers when libraries starting applying Library 2.0.

The article talked about the concept of Library 2.0 and the difficulties which Libraries faced. However, services are physical and virtual. If libraries are not already to enter the world of Library 2.0, it is better to ‘review with a fresh eye to determine if any aspect needs updating’. (Casey & Savastinuk, 2006) Librarians need to keep surveying, consulting both current and potential users.


Reference List
Casey, M.E., Savastinuk, L.C. (2006) Library 2.0: service for the next-generation library. Retrived August 28, 2009 from http://libraryjournal.com/article/CA365200.html?q=Library+2%2E0.