Web 2.0 for Librarians & Info Prof

by American Library Association

Here is a book that will help public, school, and academic librarians take advantage of Web 2.0 technologies. Using an easy-to-understand writing style, author Ellyssa Kroski provides librarians and information professionals with a detailed look at the latest and hottest technologies. She provides innovative, real-world examples of libraries which are using these technologies to enhance their online presence, showcase services and increase patronage - as well as helpful, illustrative screenshots. Whether to create a book review blog, social bookmark collection, subject specific RSS feed, or a specialized search engine, librarians will find this guide invaluable for promoting their services in a digital age and attracting even the most tech-savvy of patrons.

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science, Professional Development

209 pages, Paperback

First published February 19, 2008

Reviews

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Web 2.0 for Librarians and Information Professionals by Ellyssa Kroski was one of the first books I found in the early days of my Patron 2.0 research paper. Having "Web 2.0" in the title made it easy to find when I wasn't quite sure yet what direction my paper was going to take.

Kroski's book is first a description of what web 2.0 is and a brief history of its development. Next it is a descriptive catalog of current (as of 2008) technologies at use for librarians. It includes examples of how to use each of the listed technologies.

For my research the book was useful for seeing what was available. Although I'm fairly savvy with social technology it was good to have a list to check against as I was following links to blogs mentioned in other research. For library professionals the book would offer a good reference for offering Library 2.0 services.

Ellyssa Kroski lectures sometimes at San José State, the school I am currently attending. I have not taken any of her courses.

[Purple · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not a book to be read and returned. This is the kind of book which should come with a highlighter on a chain. Jam packed with hundreds of ideas, sources and things to try out, this book is a resource which will take ages to explore and really use to it's potential. The writing style is highly accessible. I only wish I had the time to really systematically try all the resources in this book.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very informative book about the different Web 2.0 tools that are out there. The author provides a description of each tool and where you can go to get started using them. Kroski also provides information about how libraries and librarians are using the specific tool. This gives insight into practical applications and how one might go about brining some of these tools into the work place.

A great place to start for those who want to learn more details about Web 2.0.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of Web 2.0 technologies. Even a techie like me learned a few things. Should be read by every librarian.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inspiring resource, though a little dated.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and insightful read. I think this would be a fantastic instructional book for someone currently unfamiliar with web 2.0 technologies. It features straight forward chapters on various topics such as podcasts, wikis, blogs, social bookmarking, rss feeds, and more. It's easy to understand and leaves out unnecessary jargon.
It also has extensive links to examples and service sites in each section for making use of the described web 2.0 technologies. I would recommend this for librarians and anyone else traversing the web who is interested in utilizing web 2.0 in their work our personal life. Useful info on such topics as how to start a blog, use Facebook for marketing, and content management can be useful for anyone regardless of the career field. This book is geared toward librarians though and has tips for how to use the services in a library setting without getting very specific. Includes a glossary in the back with terminology relevant to the topics as well as lists of recommended books, journals, blogs, and websitesfor further exploration.

[Sebah Al-Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

مفيد جدا . تقديم مبسط و مناسب و مفصل لكل خدمة من خدمات الويب 2 ، مرفقا بالصور . مع روابط و طرق استخدام .
أجده مفيدا لكل من أراد أن يعرف بشكل واضح خدمات ويب 2 بمختلف أنواعها .

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"Web 2.0 marks the progression from static Web pages to dynamic, interactive ones, and the move from a one-way dialogue to the group conversation." (p. 1)

"The new Web is about creating connections with other users, and it has brought an explosion of growth in social networking and community-oriented Web sites."(p. 2)