Web 2.0 in Libraries

     Web 2.0 invites users to participate, be creative, and interact outside of the walls of a library. It allows libraries to reach out to users and non-users of library services. (Casey, 2006, p. 38).  Many libraries offer quality databases, downloadable audio books and music, iPod loan programs, RSS, Blogs and more. Librarians can assist users in using these applications to reach their goals (Abram, 2006).

     Libraries have adopted Web 2.0 technologies for four main purposes: communication, content sharing, social networking, and crowdsourcing (Ari-Veikko, 2011, p. 92).  Google, MSN, Yahoo, instant messaging, online chat, etc. are tools used for communication. Blogs and wikis are used for content sharing and interaction between librarians and patrons. YouTube is the most popular content sharing site. Facebook is a social network used by many libraries and librarians. Tagging is an example of crowdsourcing. Tagging allows users to change content and content describing content (Ari-Veikko, 2011, p. 94).

     Libraries have taken on many of the Web 2.0 technologies to improve their services, create community, and to reach out to patrons. Web 2.0 technologies allow patrons fast and easy access to information. However, further research is necessary to find the preferences of library users relating to Web 2.0 applications and what impacts Web 2.0 has on social life and on the youth. (Ari-Veikko, 2011, p. 97).


Abram, S. (2006). Web 2.0, library 2.0, and librarian 2.0: Preparing for the 2.0 world.  
         SirsiDynix OneSource, 2 (1).

Anttiroiko, A.,  Savolainen, R. (2011). Towards  Library  2.0: The Adoption  of Web 2.0 
       Technologies  in Public Libraries. Libri, 61(2), 87-99. doi: 10.1515/libri.2011.008.

Casey, M., Savastinuk, L. (2006). Service for the next-generation library. Library 
       Journal,7(06), 38-40.