Library 2.0 and beyond: Innovative Technologies and Tomorrow's User

When I saw this title, I asked myself “Do we really need another book on (Library 2.0/Web 2.0 for libraries/social software in libraries)?” After all, we have books by Phil Bradley (How to use Web 2.0 in your Library, Facet, 2007), Meredith Farkas (Social Software in Libraries, Information Today, 2007), and Elyssa Kroski (Web 2.0 for Librarians and Information Professionals, Neal‐Schuman, 2008), to name just three. What does this book, a collection of chapters on individual Web 2.0 technologies and their uses in a library context, add to the mix? This question is answered by its subtitle Innovative Technologies and Tomorrow's User, which indicates the main emphasis – using a range of Web 2.0 tools to deliver new services to library users. The book starts with a chapter by Elizabeth L. Black discussing the meaning of “Library 2.0”, in which she emphasises that the term refers to the use of web‐based tools that provide users with opportunities to participate in new initiatives and collaborate with library staff. This is followed by chapters about specific technologies. In one, Chad F. Boeninger discusses using wikis in a library context. Boeninger developed the Biz Wiki, a wiki‐based resource guide to business information sources in 2005, and describes his experience in depth, while also giving readers general advice on choosing wiki software and adding content to the wiki. Chris Kretz looks at library uses of podcasting, suggesting that it has potential for booktalks, exhibit/display guides, and library instruction, among others. He focuses on use and promotion, with only brief coverage of technical requirements. Other chapters cover catalogue 2.0, mashups, using handheld devices, games and gaming, online social networks, tagging and folksonomies, virtual worlds such as Second Life, and digital storytelling. An obvious gap is a chapter dedicated to blogging, though this is mentioned in several other places. Because each of the authors has worked extensively with the technology they cover, they are able to include useful tips and real‐life examples in discussing how the technology can be applied in a library context. Each chapter concludes with suggested readings and, when appropriate, a list of web sites and library examples. There is also a more general list of suggested readings at the end of the book, and a subject index. After reading Library 2.0 and Beyond, I have come to the conclusion that it does fill a gap, and the answer to my initial question is “Yes”. Because the book focuses on services and the issues associated with their implementation, and does not include step‐by‐step user guides, it remains relevant in 2009, despite its 2007 publication date. It is recommended for librarians unfamiliar with Library 2.0 concepts who wish to learn about applying a range of collaborative technologies in a library context, and for comprehensive library studies collections.