“In the paper the author Judith Pearce discusses Web 2.0 in relation to the NLA. In a posting of about 600 words explain (with examples) what is meant by the term Web 2.0?”
This paper was presented by the author Judith Pearce at the Framing the Future conference in September 2006. In this paper the author looks at the National Library of Australia, and the steps they are taking to increase their use of Web 2.0 technologies. The needs of library users are changing as these technologies continue to develop. The use of Web 2.0 technologies is becoming increasingly popular with both library services, and their users. Library services are now embracing the opportunity to try new technologies, to see how they can better meet the changing needs of their users. Through this paper the author tells us about the pilot projects that the National Library of Australia is involved in, the Web 2.0 technologies used, and the outcomes of these projects.
The term Web 2.0 is used to describe websites that allow users to work together and share information (Pearce, 2006). Naughton (2006) provides some examples of sites that fit in with Web 2.0, these include Wikipedia, Blogger and eBay. These sites are good examples of Web 2.0 as they all rely on their users adding content. O’Reilly (2005) provides further information as to what Web 2.0 is.
Pearce (2006) identifies that library users in all age groups now want inclusiveness, interactivity and access from websites they use regularly. The National Library of Australia undertook a review of their directions in 2006, where it was recognised that Web 2.0 technologies may help to enhance the services that the library provides. It was also recognised that these technologies may assist the library in raising its profile. The goals of the National Library of Australia were to explore new ways in which to collect material, and providing services that support the creation of knowledge by users.
The pilot projects discussed by Pearce (2006) in this paper involve the use of Web 2.0 technology Flickr and Wikis. Flickr is a web based program that allows for the organising and sharing of photos, while a Wiki allows users to add and edit their own or existing information.
The aim of the Flickr pilot project was to connect with new audiences, and add to the number of images within Picture Australia. Flickr was chosen as the technology for this project as it encourages the use of metadata, and because its interface can be used with Dublin Core metadata, which is used for contributing records to Picture Australia. Users are able to upload their pictures to Flickr and add them to a Picture Australia group. The metadata and thumbnails are retrieved and added to Picture Australia (Pearce, 2006).
This project has increased the awareness of Picture Australia, however with this the quality of metadata has been identified as an issue, images were not being given enough tags, or titles were not descriptive enough. As a result of this, administrators from Picture Australia had to email contributors with advice on how to tag images correctly (Pearce, 2006). This process would have taken a lot of staff time, however would be worth it in the long run when images are easily found because of correct metadata.
The next project talked about is the Australia Dancing website. This website uses Wiki technology. Users register with the site, and, after agreeing to the terms and conditions are able to contribute information. Once registered a user is able to create new pages, add comments, or edit an existing page (Pearce, 2006).
This article provides useful information on the way that the National Library of Australia has identified the need to increase their use of Web 2.0 technologies. The article gave good insight into the Picture Australia and the Australia Dancing projects. However it is my opinion that the author could have included more information on the definition of Web 2.0.
Reference List
Naughton, J. (2006, August 13). Websites that changed the world. The Observer. Retrieved
September, 2, 2008 from
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2006/aug/13/observerreview.onlinesupplement
O’Reilly, T. (2005, September, 30). What is Web 2.0 design patterns and business models for the
next generation of software. Retrieved August, 8, 2008 from
http://oreilly.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html?page=1
Pearce, J. (2006). User collaboration in websites. Retreived August, 27,2008 from
http://www.nla.gov.au/nla/staffpaper/2006/jpearce1.html
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