10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, Library 2.0!

Web 2.0 has been defined as "the 2nd coming of the web" characterized by an "operating platform" where there is open sourcing and a shared network space where one is always online .
Principles defining this include
simplicity
rich interactivity
user participation
collective intelligence
self-service
novel & remixed content

Library 2.0 shares these same principles relying on "radical trust" - trusting your contributors. No barriers to information. "User-centered change" is the heart of Library 2.0 (quoted from a source - but does it really matter what source I used? I'm not inclined to cite although professionally I cringe).

I've read five different takes on what, how, if, when, libraries are or are not Library 2.0...

1. AWAY FROM ICEBERGS
Librarian from UN-Reno says beware of just-in-case collections. They've noticed a drop in circulation numbers. Are these circulation numbers based on circ per capita or just pure circ numbers? Our circulation numbers keep climbing - people are still checking out items. How much of their population has access to computers (or other online means) outside of the library - not using the library's machines? If they have high numbers, this makes sense. Your patrons can access via online rather than physical - even if they prefer the physical. But if you community has high numbers that don't have access online outside the library, and are limited to an hour-and-a-half each day because there are not enough machines... then it doesn't make sense to "punish" these people by not having a physical collection. I do believe you need to be aware of what does and doesn't get checked out, what gets used in-house, and what your community needs. If you are a good librarian, you should already be doing this.
He also says beware of a reliance on user education. "Focus not on instruction but on eliminating barriers to information." I agree with this. I'm not sure if I am comfortable with the McDonalds way of things (You don't need to know how to read to be able to order a meal from McDonalds) because I would like to believe we are an intelligent species but the reality is, most of us are not. So yes, instead of trying to teach our patrons how to access information, we should make it to where they do not need to know how to do it.
Beware the "come-to-us" model of service. Bingo - wholeheartedly. Libraries should be accessed not only from a physical location, but online through digital collections and live reference help. A good librarian is always getting up from behind the desk and approaching patrons, in the aisles, by the catalogs, outside the library, anywhere. We're taught that patrons are intimidated by desks and by "interrupting" the librarian. Customer service skills are HIGHLY important to being a good librarian - you should be making eye contact and greeting every patron, you should be asking if they need help, you should be following up to make sure their question was answered fully, you should have an engaging manner that makes the patron feel they can approach you next time they need help. The best words I hear from patrons is "You helped me before..."
It goes to say that this level of customer service needs to be represented online as well. This level of customer service needs to be everywhere the library is; and the library must be online.

2. INTO A NEW WORLD OF LIBRARIANSHIP
Librarian says to sharpen these skills.
Plan for the users (This should already be in a librarian's skill set. Sadly, it isn't always carried out effectively.)
Embrace Web 2.0 tools (Embracing technology is something that has existed in the profession. Technology is improving and changing light years ahead of how it used to - we need to be able to respond just as fast.)
Control technolust (Another skill you should have. Betamax? Cassette books? Microfilm? Microfiche? MP3s? how long do you hold on? What goes by the wayside?)
Make good yet fast decisions (see above - the world changing at ever increasing speed)
Be a trendspotter
"Gets" content : "The future of libraries will be guided by how users access, consume, and create CONTENT".
Ok, when did it become content? When did information change into content? Is it truth because many say it is? They've determined it to be so based on popular vote? Why, oh why, do I feel like this is Newspeak? The masses scare me. Where has critical thinking gone?

3. TO MORE POWERFUL WAYS TO COOPERATE
Commercial slant - of course it would be wonderful if all libraries could consolidate and pool their resources efficiently and with minimal paperwork (if any at all). And it would be wonderful if OCLC could head that new era. Build new services with Web 2.0 technologies. That's all I got out of this one.

4. TO BETTER BIBLIOGRAPHIC SERVICES
UCLA librarian says that librarians have always adapted to new ways of service but that these services were very integratable. YES, oh god YES! It's already built into the "DNA" of a good librarian.
Package and push metadata. (YES!)
Broaden relevance rating (i.e. include circ figures into equation)
Adapt web features (imitate Amazon/Google - I say yes to this, but only the parts that would work for an institution not based on sales. This is the same in merchandising the books at the library - put them out there but don't be driven into doing a solely James Patterson display.)
Expand delivery ("Can't we all just get along?")
Streamline metadata creation

All of these are wonderful and would require cross collaboration. We can't even get city governments to talk to each other (how many public library systems are in your town? How many academic? how many specialized? How often do they all work together without regards to who has to pay for what?)

5. TO A TEMPORARY PLACE IN TIME...
a Futurist says that librarians are flexible (if they're good) and that people will still need experienced tour guides - leading to librarians being "collectible". I like this - futurist agrees with me that Amazon reviews are notoriously open to manipulation. Hell yes. We are librarians - if we are good, we adapt, we change, we flow with our community.

Many of our skills lend themselves well to this Library 2.0 principles. Users have (or should have) always determined what we purchase, programs we offer, developments made. Some libraries/librarians are more responsive than others. If you are proud that you are a librarian, you realize that change is necessary since our society is constantly changing. You should excel at customer service because your patrons are the reason you work. If this isn't true for you, then you are doing yourself (and your fellow librarians) an injustice.