Enhancing Library Services with Web 2.0 Functionalities

This article gives a breakdown on the different Library 2.0 systems and how they are designed. It gives a example of how an open-sourced OPACIAL would be developed and the features that would be included. Also, the article goes in depth on how Web 2.0 technologies are already being incorporated.

It looks like as if many of these systems are becoming popular. But as I stated in my last post, I think that there are some privacy concerns that need to be addressed. Even in the system architecture diagram, there seems to be storage of information of outside users.

Given this, should libraries consider adopting a code a privacy?

Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries

I'm going to just say that I hate the term 2.0. In fact, I hate the concepts of Web 2.0. I still don't understand how that social interaction technologies is what survived from the Dot.com bust. And no, I really don't think that libraries should adopt the concepts of this movement. 

The article was just about how libraries are integrating Web 2.0 into libraries. The author lists a bunch of technologies, and demonstrates how they can be incorporated in libraries. This includes new media formats like streaming. Then he calls this the Library 2.0 movement. 

I find this absurd. I think that libraries should focus on remaining useful than social. Although, admittedly, that greater interaction with patrons would be helpful,  I think most of this is overblown. Further, I think that given Web 2.0 also presents huge privacy concerns. Essentially Web 2.0 was a means to make users the product for advertisers. And now that more libraries are being privatized, I think so of these concepts creates too many privacy conflicts. 

So my question is what are any other downsides for libraries becoming more social?

*Maness, J. (2006). "Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries". Webology, 3 (2), Article 25. 

Re-Integrating the integrated library system

This is article is a past and present critique of ILS. The author feels that ILS technology did not keep up with the times -compared specifically to the web- and that it is now struggling to keep up with new media. Further, the author points out that the lack integration in the available solutions creates an unfriendly user experience.

The blame is pointed to the procurement process in how these systems are chosen. The author believes that libraries are too stringent and should allow the companies that provide solutions to be innovative. Without a certain degree of creativity, libraries will essentially will never get a handle on potential future problems.

I disagree. I feel that the problem is using a proprietary model for an open sourced problem. Proprietary solutions will not be able to give libraries that flexibility needed to tackle the problems rapidly. When every needed functionality comes with a price tag, it makes it difficult to keep up. Moreover, open source would be a way to help integrate the system as a whole. If the parts of the entire system can be easily manipulated to accomodate the other functions, a single system can be easily achieved.

Given this, my question is why not open source?

M. Breeding (2005). "Re-Integrating the integrated library system" Computers in Libraries: 25(25).  

Overview of ILS

This article details the advancement of Integrated Library Systems (ILS) and how they are able to index a multitude of different media platforms. These new systems are able to provide users with cross referenced information from all different types of media and databases. The idea being finding a way to better manage the vast amount of information that's available today.

I think that my only problem with the article, and I suppose the industry, as described, is the fragmentation of the various systems. Given the nature of libraries, it would make a lot more sense to establish and foster an open source program which can be shared, modified and improved on freely. I think that projects such as this is optimal for open-sourced solutions, because it would give the end user a consistent experience. I find the demands for ILS much like was for web hosting, an environment that Apache, an open-source web hosting software, has thrived.

So my question is given the amount of multiple proprietary solutions available,  how is this going to effect the end user and client? And what about those libraries stuck with inferior solutions, how are they going to manage in the near future?

*M. Deddins (2002). "Overview of ILS" EDUCAUSE