Does library 2.0 really exist? We talk about it all the time and we work on putting libraries into social media platforms and on creating library 2.0, however, does the movement really exist? And are libraries really benefiting from it like we think they are? I found this interesting Google knol that addresses exactly this issue.

Here are some reasons why I think that Library 2.0 does exist-

1. Libraries are embracing social networking or web 2.0 technologies with facebook fan pages, twitter accounts, youtube channels and more.

2. Many patrons have interacted with or used library 2.0 properties in the past.

Here are some reasons why Library 2.0 does not exist-

1. Many if not most libraries are not getting what they need or expected to get from their social networking or library 2.0 activities.

2. Many libraries are behind the times on how to use library 2.0 effectively.

So what do you think is library 2.0 a myth, a legend or a fact?

I found this great site that has lots of great resources for Social Networking for Libraries If you are looking for some more resources to help you with your social networking for your library. Check out this website.

Are you wondering how using library 2.0 or social networking in libraries can help with information literacy? I was too, so that is why I decided to read this book. The first couple of chapters provide the reader with an overview of the various kinds of web 2.0 applications along with some basic information about how they can be used in libraries. The next few chapters cover the importance of web 2.0 tools for LIS professionals as well as some ideas on how these tools can be used to teach information literacy.
The next few chapters address how blogging, Wikipedia, RSS feeds, podcasts, social bookmarking tagging, flickr, and youtube, have been used by various libraries to increase information literacy.
Although I’m not certain I will be able to apply much of what is talked about in this book at my library, I did find the content and concepts over all to be quite interesting.

Wow, I just found a whole bunch of resources for implimenting and using web 2.0 in libraries. Check out the How to Use Web 2.0 in Your Library wikizine on Zimbio.com. It is based off of a book about web 2.0 in libraries and is chuck full of links and all kinds of useful information.

Happy Library 2.0 ing!

AnnaLaura Brown

Are libraries over obsessed with library 2.0? Should we be calling our efforts to use social networking tools and to involve new technologies with our libraries something else?

Here is an interesting article on the topic. Have libraries lost their focus in the process of trying to please the younger hip generation? Although I can personally see how that could happen, I stop short of saying it has happened.

Squidoo is a social networking site which has groups and lenses on all kinds of topics? But how can you use this site and the information it contains in your library? I wasn’t so sure myself until I found a couple of lenses which helped me get the idea. First off there is this lens which offers all kinds of ideas and hints on how to impliment library 2.0 tactics in your library. Then there is this lens which offers you a reading list on library 2.0 and finally this lens which features information and photos all about the State Library of Pennsylvania. So you could use squidoo in many different ways to promote your library whether it be to provide information about who you are and the services you provide or whether it be to offer reading lists or services.

Happy Squidooing.
AnnaLaura Brown
Social Networking Librarian

Even though I don’t live in Montana, I was browsing  library wikis the other day and I found this one and thought I would share it as it is full of all kinds of great information and ideas for using social networking in your library. 

Montana Library 2.0 Challenge

Although still under construction this wiki will eventually offer information on all kinds of library 2.0 tools including blogging, RSS, youtube, podcasting and more.

What a great resource!

So exactly what is <a href=”http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_2.0″>Library 2.0?</a> I like to think of it as any kind of computer technology or web 2.0 which can be applied to a library. In other words offering a library blog, a wiki, or a podcast are all forms of Library 2.0. If you click the link above you can read Wikipeia’s version of Library 2.0. I find this especially fitting since Wikipedia is itself a Web 2.0 application.