Library 2.0 and beyond : innovative technologies and tomorrow's user (edition 2007)

I initially needed this book for class, but after reading through it, it is an easy read and a great resource for any librarian or educator who wishes to move students into a more technologicall savvy world. ( )

Excellent book about new technologies and how they can benefit today's library user. ( )

Primer for technology novice - somewhat dated ( )

I have this book because of a project I'm working on for Public Libraries. I think that in 2007, which is likely the peak of the debate on what "Library 2.0" really means or is, the book was pretty dead relevant. I am amazed to think that less than 2 years later (thinking back a year) that probably half the topics are either accepted as normal "business" in libraries or are dead; wikis, podcasting, handheld devices, and gaming in libraries are all accepted.

The only really interested discussions in the book today relate to the so-called "Catalog 2.0" and mashups. In them are the kernels of what should be the truth for libraries and librarians today, which is "expose your data" as much as possible and work to make sure that your holdings show up in searches. The library specific catalog will have its uses for users that arrive at your site, but in an of itself it will not pull them there. Mashups rely on access to your informational databases, so expose them. ...you get the idea.

So, although still useful in the current debates and work of libraries in the Internet Age, this book is fast becoming a historical document. ( )

This is a great read for anyone who wonders what Library 2.0 is and what tools and technology can be used in implementing Library 2.0 principles. This short book packs in information about wikis, podcasting, mashups, folksonomies, social networking, blogs, and gaming and virtual worlds into a book that can be easily read in just a couple of sittings. This is the book for library school students who are just beginning to learn about library 2.0 and web 2.0 or for librarians who need to learn how to implement technology in a way that engages their customers and lets their customers participate in library services. ( )