Introduction

Library 2.0 has come to express a vision for the future of libraries and librarianship. In his blog Library Crunch, Michael Casey is credited with first using the term, directly borrowing it from the Web 2.0 concept. In essence, Library 2.0 is about bringing the library to the user, whenever and where ever she is. There is a strong emphasis on the use of new technologies to enhance the level of user interaction with libraries and library systems. The end result is a more user-friendly library that provides services that users actually want and help to create. Rather than meaning the 'death of the librarian', proponents argue that librarians will be essential as facilitators in this new information frontier.

While the Library 2.0 concept is compelling, it remains a contested term. Critics point out that there are many competing definitions of the term and some are skeptical of the language used in its promotion which describes a 'Library 2.0 movement', and details a 'Library 2.0 manifesto'. And still others raise concerns about the impact on user privacy as well as a widening gulf in the capacity of those who can ably participate and those individuals and institutions who lack the skills or human resources necessary to participate in the 2.0 project.

Ultimately, Library 2.0 is happening and its innovation is to prepare the library to service the next generation of library users. However, as libraries move into the 2.0 world, it is of prime importance that the criticism of Library 2.0 be acknowledged and that innovators keep the library patron the primary focus over the adoption of new technologies.