Investigative Exercise 1: Library 2.0

Library 2.0 is a term commonly used to refer to the use of social media by libraries. The term derives from Web 2.0, which is used to describe a range of online networks, applications and websites that allow anyone to create and share material online, without needing web design skills. 

Social media is based on user content and encourages communication between users, leading to social collaboration. Libraries are increasingly embracing social media to engage users and allow active participation (e.g. communication with and between library clients on the Library's Facebook page, client-submitted book reviews on the Library blog etc). They can also use social media applications to create content that can be easily accessed by clients (e.g. creating albums of historical photos on a Flickr account).

Web 2.0 applications commonly used by libraries include:

• Facebook
• Flickr
• Blogs (various blog platforms)

For further information, view the following sources:

• Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 (Gary Lom)
• Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries (Jack M. Maness)
• Wikis, Blogs & Web 2.0 technology (University of Melbourne)