The most important aspect of Library 2.0 is the user. Everything needs to be designed and implemented with the user's wants and needs in mind. In his article "Into a new world of librarianship", Michael Stephens said, "User-centered libraries break down barriers and allow users access wherever they are: home, work, commuting, school, or at the library. This involves users from the get go in planning and launching services based on their needs." This idea that libraries need to reach the user no matter where they happen to be is repeated over and over again in all the articles. I believe that easy accessibility is essential in today's society where people are used to having information instantly at their fingertips. One way that libraries can make sure this goal is achieved is to make users part of the planning process right from the beginning.
There are so many Web 2.0 tools that can be applied to a library setting. It is important for librarians today to embrace the popular trends in technology rather than just sticking out heads in the sand and giving up. Libraries have definitely changed in recent decades, and they are not going to stop anytime soon. Library 2.0 is one awesome way that libraries can not only maintain relevance in today's society but maintain the goals of librarianship as well. Library 2.0 is all about the sharing of resources and information; what's not to like about that?
I think that maintaining relevance is exactly what libraries should be trying to do--but I also feel as if it's up for debate on how well this is achieved. Libraries are obviously not as popular as movie theaters or bars, so does that mean they should try to mimic these establishments? Screening movies and offering cocktails? I think that this wouldn't be out of the question for the library users to suggest--and I'd definitely go! I hope that libraries remain relevant as times change even further, it just might mean thinking outside of that library box.
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