Web 2.0, library 2.0 and librarian 2.0: preparing for the 2.0 world

摘要

Recently I was asked if some software applications I was involved in were web 2.0 compliant. This was amusing and distressing on so many levels. It's amusing because what is being called web 2.0 isn't a 'standard' in almost any sense of the word. It's distressing because it shows how quickly a conversation becomes an expectation in today's world. This is a perfect example of the power of the 95 Theses of the Cluetrain Manifesto. For me, the major thesis is number one: 'Markets are conversations.' Anyway, I thought it might be useful to explore the opportunities for libraries to use web 2.0 technologies to generate further success. The global web 2.0 discussion is birthing a number of newborn babies: law 2.0, advertising 2.0, library 2.0 and librarian 2.0 among them. And why should you read this piece? You've heard it all before, but in a few years these web 2.0 conversations have the power to drive huge transformations in our media landscape and therefore our life, work and play environments. Sigh. We are entering a period of enormous change - far greater than we've ever experienced in our lives to date. Major forecasters like the Gartner Group and Morgan Stanley have noted that this will be transformational on a very global scale. It'll be exciting too, although those of us who care about communities, research, discovery, invention, learning and information will be tasked with some pretty heavy strategic planning goals. We're going to need to stay alert and nimble.