Library 2.0 stuff

As someone who uses "open" technology quite a bit, there's a lot about Web 2.0 and consequently Library 2.0 that I like. I like user-directed stuff, and I like that users can share content. I also have to add some caution in there, though. Open content means, of course, it is also open to abuse, and there are still people on the web that are not wise to that and seem to be surprised when some sort of abuse happens. There's a balance that needs to be struck between enjoying the variety and diversity of user content and understanding that with that enjoyment comes the possibility of seeing something that maybe you don't enjoy so much.

I think that balance is something that needs to be taken into consideration when implementing user-driven features in our libraries. Many people don't understand that balance or aren't willing to strike that balance, and even though we as librarians love new technology and are always ready to jump on the technology bandwagon, I think we need to keep these people in mind, as well. I'm afraid that we'll go too fast; that we'll lose our "lifelong" customers while we try to court the fickle young minds that adore this technology.