Library 2.0 means change for libraries, library users, and even library non-users. And for most libraries, Library 2.0 technology is an entire restructuring of both the internal and external functioning of the library. In the blyberg.net article, http://www.blyberg.net/2006/01/09/11-reasons-why-library-20-exists-and-matters/, libraries are given a plan on how to develop and change in order to stay relevant. The article ends with the question of what Library 2.0 should be called: revolution, collection of ideas, or a movement (Blyberg para 19). I like this question, because it made me think: Is Library 2.0 a revolution, or just revolutionary?
Revolution implies a huge overhaul in the current ways of doing something. Revolution implies negative: don’t lots of people die in revolutions? Revolution implies that nothing will be the same. Maybe this is true for libraries (okay, not the dying part), but why call it something that brings to mind so many negative implications? Talking about revolution doesn’t bring to mind warm and fuzzy thoughts. No wonder so many librarians are terrified of the thought!
If the original mission statement for the library encompasses meeting the user’s needs, then Library 2.0 isn’t a revolution. Instead, I think it’s a natural progression. As Casey and Savastinuk show in Library 2.0, if you are working to meet your community’s needs, and the needs are a more online, social-networked based interactive environment, then where is the revolution? The revolution is in the means, but not the ends.
And I think that is the most important aspect of the blyberg.net article. Blyberg recognizes that Library 2.0 technologies are a huge game-changer for most libraries. However, if we think about the technologies as a part of the library mission instead of this huge, unknown thing that is being thrust upon libraries, then maybe no one will have to “die” as a result of the revolution. Or, at least, no one has to freak out. The blyberg.net article ends with the declaration that Library 2.0 IS. And it most definitely is here to stay. The important question remains: how will your library deal?
Blyberg, J. (2006). 11 reasons why Library 2.0 Exists and Matters. From Blyberg.net. Short link: http://tinyurl.com/2gocwo
Library 2.0 A Guide to Participatory Library Service by Michael Casey and Laura Savastinuk, InfoToday, 2007.
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