A practical book explaining how libraries can use Web 2.0 technologies and get the most out of them. It has a Web 2.0 companion website to ensure readers can keep up to date in this dynamic area of libraries. "This is essential reading for library and informaiton professionals wishing to harness the social networking revolution to their advantage" (cover). ( )

This one was ok but not really what I was expecting. The book's starts off with a definition of Web 2.0 (including the ubiquitous Tim O'Reilly definition) and then goes on to introduce different forms of social software. Each chapter is well furnished with links and examples and the book's well laid out but somehow it didn't quite hit the spot for me. I think I would have preferred less in the way of links and examples and more along the lines of how, conceptually you can use these tools in the library. Maybe more assessment of potential benefits to users etc. There was also very little mention of the ethics of librarianship - something that I think is really important if libraries are going to enter this space. I guess I didn't really take any idea on what web 2.0 is from this book - that it's alot more than just blogging or uploading photos. The concept of extreme trust was mentioned in the first chapter but aside from that there was very little focus on the social phenomena that define web 2.0. Ok for sparking ideas but think carefully about implementing the ideas. Is Web 2.0 consistent with your libraries data protection policies and your duty of care to your users? That's not to say don't do Web 2.0 - it's great - just think about the issues involved as well as the techie side. ( )

An useful book with lots of practical ideas.

An excellent introduction. Highly recommendable not only for librarians but also for users of web 2.0 services and applications in general. ( )

Good book for librarians and managers to show them how to make use of Web 2.0 technologies in libraries ( )