Online Journal Entry 3: Definition of Library 2.0 & Web 2.0 Information Professional

Online Journal Entry 3:
Module 3:
Definition of Library 2.0

Casey & Savastinuk (2006) explain the heart of Library 2.0 is a user-centered change. Library 2.0 is a model for library service that encourages constant and purposeful change, providing user participation and supporting consistent evaluation of 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. Technology can help libraries create a customer-driven, and a library 2.0 environment. Web 2.0 technologies have played a significant role in our ability to keep up with the changing needs of library users. Technological advances in the past have enabled libraries to create new services that before were not possible, such as virtual reference and personalized OPAC interfaces. This increase in available technologies gives libraries the ability to offer improved, and offer customer-driven opportunities. Proponents of this concept, expect that the Library 2.0 model for service will ultimately replace traditional, one-directional service offerings that were the norm.

Eilers (2012) describes in her article technology has changed the resources and the ways libraries do business. It has also changed the ways in which library patrons seek information. Le Deuff (2012) explains the evolution of libraries inside web 2.0 environments and explains how culture of information can be a new way for information literacy. Library 2.0 is one of the most interesting concept influenced by web 2.0. It has emerged shortly after the start of popularization of Web 2.0. Moreover it mixes two concepts that are essentially distinct from each other (1) the traditional library and (2) the web 2.0 philosophy.

2. Knowledge, skills and attributes of Web 2.0 Information Professional

Sudhakaran & Sivankutty (2011, p.257) state the majority of the librarians are aware of web 2.0 skills, and  attend training programs, online tutorials to sharpen their information technology skills. Social networking, blogging and wikis are the favorite web 2.0 services for information professionals. Librarians also make use of the web 2.0 skills for professional communication, library services and for research purpose. Librarians are aware that web 2.0 have influenced the technological, communication and professional skills. User expectations are ever-changing one in this new era of web 2.0, and so the challenges faced by the library professionals to support the tech savvy user generations have become multi dimensional. The authors explain libraries and professionals have to be well sufficient to accept this change and should expand their services using the web 2.0. Web 2.0 acts a platform for collaboration, conversation and interaction enabling the library professionals to think about synchronizing these attractive features of web 2.0 in library services which in turn provides ultimate 'user satisfaction'.

Partridge (2009), agreed that the 2.0 librarian should possess a complex array of attributes such as personality traits and that personality traits were more important than skills. Librarian 2.0 should be enthusiastic and inspirational. Librarian 2.0 should be able to clearly communicate an idea and through his or her passion.  These librarians have vision, spark, and creativity. They know how to lead and motivate. Librarian 2.0 is adaptable, flexible, persistent, and resilient. Librarian 2.0 is a self-starter who has no fear and is willing to move outside of their comfort zone, is proactive and willing to take calculated risks. The 2.0 librarian aims for excellence not perfection.

Gutsche (2010) observed that an increasing number of positions in libraries are moving closer to the technical end of the scale and that consequently technology competencies are starting to comprise an “ever growing piece of the performance pie, impacting every job in the library” (p. 30). She contends that new competencies must be defined and that “everyone who works in a library must stay nimble and ready to receive new knowledge and skills” (Gutsche, 2010, p. 31).

Reference

Casey, M.E., & Savastinuk, L.C., (2006). Library 2.0 service for the next-generation library, Library Journal.

Eilers, J. (2012). Library 2.0: how did we get here? A resource guide, U of I SLIS Journal Retrieved from
http://ir.uiowa.edu/bsides/26

Gavrilis, D., Kakali, C., & Papatheodorou, C. (n.d).  Enhancing library services with Web 2.0 functionalities. Retrieved from
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.178.6163&rep=rep1&type=pdf

Gutsche, B. (2010). Coping with continual motion: A focus on competencies can help librarians stick to values while absorbing future shock. Library Journal, 4(135), 28–31. Retrieved August 23, 2010, from
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6719414.html

Le Deuff, O., (2012). Library 2.0 and the culture of information: new paradigms? Retrieved from
http://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/docs/00/71/54/48/PDF/articleevora_abstract.pdf

Sudhakaran, J., & Sivankutty, V.S. (2011). Skills of new genre librarians: an exploratory Survey of the web 2.0 skills of library and information science professionals in India, International Journal of Information Dissemination and Technology, 1(4), 253-257.

YCLibrarynews. A definition of library 2.0 in only 800 words, (2011). Retrieved from
http://yclibrarynews.wordpress.com/2011/04/03/a-definition-of-library-2-0-in-only-800-words/

Partdridge, H. Lee, J. & Munro, K. (n.d.).Becoming “Librarian 2.0”: The Skills, knowledge, and attributes required by library and information science professionals in a Web 2.0.