Library 2.0 or Library III : returning to leadership

Abstract

With the advent of what has been referred to as ‘Web 2.0’ in 2004, libraries have been anxious to use interactive, social networking tools to create something many have called ‘Library 2.0’. This paper posits that Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 are not radical departures from the past and that social networking tools have little relevancy or user take-up in the context of academic libraries. There was a revolutionary shift for libraries in the late 1960s when libraries pioneered enhanced services using computer technology. This shift the authors call ‘Library II’ to distinguish this new age of libraries from the old and in contradistinction to ‘Library 2.0’. The Internet and libraries are now at a stage where the development of what Sir Tim Berners-Lee calls the Semantic Web, could lead to what could be ‘Library III’, where library leadership and resources can again be a key in developing and exploiting the resources of libraries and the digital world. Purpose: Critical review of ‘Web 2.0’ and ‘Library 2.0’ applications and proposal of a redirection of resources towards Semantic Web developments. Design/methodology/approach: Historical review of library development and new technology. Findings: Acceptance by the public of ‘Library 2.0’ applications has been low. Social networking tools do not contribute to the core mission of libraries.