Web 2.0 and Library 2.0

I like the free collaboration idea on the Internet, but in actuality, the anonymous identity of so many web users can make obtaining credible resources difficult. For instance, how do we KNOW that the people on the other end of the keyboard, out there in the void of cyberspace, are really as knowledgeable as they say they are? On the other hand, open collaboration gives a more democratic and accessible approach to information use and helps to remove hierarchical barriers between the intellectual elite, which publishes information as fact, and the average person. A similar debate on access to "privileged" information can be traced back to the invention of Gutenberg's printing press in 1450, when the common people were given access to materials that had previously only been available to the elite. We, as librarians, the primary sources of information resources, may seem to be less "needed" as more information is available to the public, however, librarians are still a vital part of society.

It seems that as more editable rights are made public, sites are being made aware of the potential for fraud. An example of this would be Wikipedia, which is oh so fun to read, but not always the most accurate or credible source... a few months ago, I noticed a clip for Tobey Maguire, saying he was born as "C. Biscuit," to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Biscuit. That might be a slightly funny joke (not really, actually), but come on. This is a real person and making claims like this can actually be damaging. Of course, it was almost immediately "removed for clean-up," but what if it had not been? The world probably wouldn't end because of that, but so many rumors and hijinx circulate as fact, and at some point, this idea of information being published from the wrong hands could become a real problem. Who monitors this information? The "experts" need to. We, as librarians, need to. We need to be able to access reliable, credible sources for our research.

The prospect of Web 2.0 opens a lot of possibilities for everyone to have their place in the sun, but it also creates a difficult dilemma for those of us who are looking for accurate information. I think we should tread cautiously in this arena and examine all possibilities before jumping in fully. I don't believe that the need for "experts" of information access will ever go away. There is SO much information available that most people have neither the time or know-how to sort through it all. The duties of librarians and library staff may evolve from working entirely with print materials to a more digital work environment, but the need for information professionals will never cease.
(Thing #15 is now done!)