2.0

I enjoyed the OCLC article about implications and associations of Library 2.0. The gist of it, as I see it, is to follow the digital trend towards openness, participation and socialization in developing new and revamping old library services. I think it’s quite interesting. The key words that helped me to understand Library 2.0 are:

• programmable
• self-service
• user-centered
• collective intelligence
• shared network space
• user participation

I was impressed by OCLC’s current and future plans for incorporating this new digital environment. They are launching an open (no authentication required) cataloging cooperative that will “harness the collective intelligence” by offering features like tagging, reviews, list creation/list sharing, personal cataloging and more. It sounds like a mashup between OCLC, amazon.com, and librarything!

Michael Stephens’ characteristics of a Librarian 2.0 echo the points he made during his presentation at CML. In this arena, I think CML has made more progress to date. We already use an IM interface w/our customers via Know It Now; we have various locations and divisions utilizing wikis for their staff; and it has always been our goal to break down barriers for our customers so that they can have access to the information they need.

So, in a nutshell, I am excited and energized by the concept of Library 2.0, and looking forward to seeing CML embrace this open environment even more.