Web 2.0 and the impact on libraries

Samnath, Kayla

Maness, J. (2006). "Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries". Webology, 3 (2), Article 25. Available at: http://www.webology.org/2006/v3n2/a25.html

Summary:  

During this course, our class was asked to fill out a survey about technology in their library of choice. One of the questions asked if the chosen library had web 2.0. After we got into small groups it was clear that we were all a little unsure of what this meant. After some research I came across author Maness’s article “Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0”.

Maness first discusses how the web has evolved into more than just a “collection of monologues” , rather, the web has changed into a “ more interactive, multimedia drive technological space” (2006, n.p.). Due to the ever changing nature of the web, libraries find themselves at a cross-roads in services provided. Maness explains his idea of “Library 2.0 as being the application of interactive, collaborative, and multimedia web-based technologies to web-based library services and collections” (2006, n.p.). Libraries adapting to this new user centered technology will be able to give their patrons even more information, which is easier to access.

This article includes great examples of how libraries have implemented these new changes. One example Maness used was instant messaging. Instant messaging gives patrons remote access to reference services. Another web 2.0 tool used my libraries today is flash programming, streaming audio and/or video, and even interactive quizzes.

Maness feels that social networks will have the most impact on libraries. The reason is because social networks “enable messages, blogging, streaming media, tagging” (2006, n.p.). Not only does it assist in the ease of accessing information, but it also represents the community in which it serves. Maness discusses how historically, libraries have been a place of gathering, community, and communication. This he argues resembles the social media of today, which is a possible future for libraries.

Evaluation:

Although this article is six years old, it really does a great job embodying how the evolution of technology can be adapted into library practices. Many of the items Maness lists in his article are used by libraries right now. Web 2.0 tools really connect people remotely, and give them access to information with much of ease than the library could previously. This article really clarified concepts in which myself and others were a little unsure of.

This article is also useful for citation searching. It introduces some of the forefathers of the librarian scholarship about web 2.0 capabilities. The internet represents the rapid consumption and production of information capabilities new technology offers us. Maness also exposes his readers to the change in library paradigms. Libraries of the past focused on in house collections, trying to make them as available to the public as possible, whereas now there is a shift which focuses more on collaborative systems.