On Library 2.0&Web 2.0

From my exploring webs this week, the most important thing I found out is the term ‘Library 2.0’ and ‘Web 2.0’. Web 2.0 means a second generation of web-based communities and hosted services, like Wikis, Weblogs, RSS feed etc. Their aim is facilitate collaboration and sharing between users. The term ‘Library 2.0’ is a modernized form of library service that reflects a transition within the library world in the way that services are delivered to users. It’s borrows from that of Business2.0 and Web 2.0. Such a good idea, vivid and easy to follow! It includes online services like the use of OPAC systems.

I’ve read through those five perspectives, and I chose two of them to disscuss.
1. Away from the ‘icebergs’—Rick Anderson
Reading through this article, I was quite shocked by the author’s opinion and the statistic that mentioned in the article, he said “in my library, we’ve seen a 55% drop in circulation rates over the past 12 years’. In this Digital era, traditional libraries are facing a huge challenge. They are losing traditional customers who borrow books regularly, mainly because the using of other electronic resources, such as Internet, DVD, CD-ROM or CD. After reading the article, I started to worry about the future of libraries. Perhaps we really need to think about it seriously.

2. Into a new world of librarianship—Michael Stephens
This article also talked about the libraries’ circumstance and challenges they are facing. As technology keep on developing, the librarians are also required to develop their skills to catch up with it. Though we don’t know exactly what change our libraries may have, but we can equip ourselves to adapt any change. Perhaps, the things we can do including planning further studying, grasping Web 2.0, recognizing the contemporary world, seeking information and so on, to receive any challenges, Be Brave!