Critical Review No. 1: 'All That Glisters is Not Gold'

Anderson, P (2007). All That Glisters Is Not Gold: Web 2.0 and the Librarian. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 39 (4), 195+

Paul Anderson's editorial titled 'All That Glisters is Not Gold' - Web 2.0 and the Librarian' attempts to provide the reader with an understanding of the relatively new concept of Web 2.0 and its relationship with professionals working within Library Services.  The title implies that issues and complexities may deny, withhold or restrict the value of new technologies for a library environment. This article does try to give a comprehensive explanation of the complexities of Web 2.0 that need to be discussed and defined but not of its relevancy or application to a library or to professionals within this field.  It must also be mentioned that the words 'blogs' and 'wikis' are only written once in the article - not necessarily making them part of 'Keywords'.

The Introduction provides brief definitions of Web 2.0 which give a short overview of the concept of this new wave of Internet language. Anderson states that librarians 'must attempt to make sense of ...changes...and engage with the issues, opportunities and challenges raised' (2007 p. 195).  This is a valid and relevant point which make sense given that the title is indicating a relationship between new Internet concepts and services and a librarian's role but unfortunately works in the Shakespearian quote of 'all that glisters is not gold'.  This quote as summarised here  from Merchant of Venice, indicates an outward deceptiveness; a mistaken choice of value; a lack of insight of worth.  The reference of this to the article's main points is unclear and does not arise within the body of the article again. This anomaly undermines the article’s validation.

The whole paragraph written under the heading ‘History of 'Web 2.0' is taken directly from Anderson's previous article 'What is Web 2.0? Ideas, Technologies and Implications for Education' (2007 p. 5 para. 6), word for word. No mention of this extraction is made to the reader.

Anderson is keen in his writing to suggest a Proposed Framework for Analysis; which also references his other article (Anderson (2007)b) and gives the reader an extensive listing of ideas for discussion of Web 2.0 concepts. His framework of three aspects allows the reader to view Web 2.0 in layers - a 'visible surface' (2007 p.196); a second aspect of ‘Six Big Ideas’ (Figure 1.) describing a more theoretical framework  but which seems to be taken largely from O’Reilly’s original article (2005). A third aspect of 'Web technologies and standards....via the W3C' (Anderson 2007 p.196) is of a more technical realm, with no definitions explained, just assumed.

The fourth heading of the article 'Web 2.0 and the Library' seems to finally reach the point of the editorial with the term 'Library 2.0' approached; a library’s shifting focus from physical limitations of content and data management to a more interconnected, and, citing Miller (2006a) 'transformed Web-based services and data 'mash-ups'. The UK example of encouraging teens to engage more with the library and its services, through a Web-based network is a practical and relevant example of the relationship a library can have with its customers through Web 2.0.

Anderson brings up the concept of ‘perpetual beta’ as a feature of Web. 2.0 but it is more part of software development and testing of a feature integrated into the web service or software, even as it is live on the web, and available to users, described by Packer (2010 para 2).  Anderson does give a concise explanation of why perpetual beta may become an issue as it does create constant ‘changes and updates to services over the Internet’ (2007 p. 196), but this is usually changes that are within a service, not a whole new service or concept incorporating Web 2.0 aspects although Packer suggests that a user

should expect changes. Expect to log on one day and find an entirely new feature waiting for you to use it. Expect to open the site one day to find that the layout has changed completely. Expect that when you look back on how you used the same service a year ago, you think 'how did I ever go without [recently added feature]’ (2010 para. 5).

This pattern of change is only going to become more wide spread as Web 2.0 becomes increasingly ubiquitous (Packer 2010 para.13).

This is a more positive approach to change that Web 2.0 creates, compared to Anderson’s example of a librarian being 'forced' (2007 p.196) to use a social web application to contact a library user. This ‘resistive’ language used signifies a opposition to modern technologies and issues for those having to cope with the ‘sheer speed’ of developments available (2007 p.196). This example does not give much credit to professionals in the library industry keeping abreast with technology or willingness to learn a new digital world. 

The final paragraph only briefly mentions ethical issues such as privacy and copyright issues in regards to Web 2.0 applications and their place in Library services. For a more extensive reading on copyright and Web 2.0 view University of Melbourne’s Copyright Office (n.d. pp 2-5).  Anderson encourages librarians to 'mobilize their skills' and 'deploy them in new directions' but with no actual detail as to what that may be and the final sentence of 'being engage(d), with the transformational ideas aspect of the Web 2.0 framework' (2007 p. 196) finishes the article.

‘All that Glisters is Not Gold’ is not a relevant title, as Anderson’s article barely touches on the problems or negative issues that Web 2.0 may bring to a library situation; more so an article that appears more focused on a need for analysing the multi-dimensional aspects new digital technology brings, incorporating statements from other sources rather than as an original article.

References:

Anderson, P. (2007) What is Web 2.0? Ideas, Technologies and Implications for Education. JISC: Bristol, URL (consulted July 2007): http://www.jisc.ac.uk/media/documents/techwatch/tsw0701b.pdf

Curran, K., Murray, M., Norrby, D. and Martin, C.(2006) Involving the User through Library 2.0, New Review of Information Networking 12 (1):47 - 59

All that Glisters is Not Gold (n.d.) E-notes: Study Smarter. Shakespeare quotes. Retrieved from http://www.enotes.com/shakespeare-quotes/all-glisters-gold

Miller, P. (2006a) Coming Together around Library 2.0', D-Lib Magazine 12 (4).

O'Reilly, T. (2005) What is Web 2.0: Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software. O'Reilly Media Inc., URL (consulted Dec 2011):http://oreilly.com/web2/archive/what-is-web-20.html?page=4

Packer, J. (2010) Perpetual Beta. Jonathan’s Web 2.0 Blog: an exploration in Web 2.0 topics, innovations and explorations.  Retrieved from http://blog.jonpacker.com/?p=21

University of Melbourne Copyright Office : Wikis, Blogs and Web 2.0 technologies (n.d. pp 2-5) Retrieved from http://www.unimelb.edu.au/copyright/information/guides/wikisblogsweb2blue.pdf

Critical Review No. 2: 'Documenting the Global Conversation'

Heath, F. (2009) ‘Documenting the Global Conversation: Relevancy of Libraries in a Digital World’, Journal of Library Administration, 49: 5, 519 – 532

Heath’s article discusses the changing world of digital content and information access and control and the negative effects being felt by libraries, in particular research and university libraries.  His own position of being vice provost and director of University of Texas (UT) Libraries is apparent in this article, referring exclusively to how UT is coping with the inevitable change in the way students are obtaining information by using the Web as an emerging power source for research and study, as opposed to the institution of the Library and its resources.

Three points are listed which are integral to his argument; that knowledge is increasing exponentionally; web applications and services facilitate self discovery and research, ‘freeing’ students from the ‘grasp’ of the library; financial limitations have direct effects on university modernisation (2009 p.520)

The article focuses intently on how internet usage is negatively affecting information and entertainment providers such as news, music and publishing. The author’s pessimism of the world’s growing acceptance, reliance and preference of some new technologies to provide more and better information is palpable. The language used to describe the web such as ‘culprit’; ‘overrun(ing)’; ‘render irrelevant’; ‘dyspepsia’ (2009 p.524) are all indicators of the author’s negative reactions to the Web’s integration and increasing presence into society, including the Library. Heath reports on a UT’s conferences’ conclusions foreseeing disruptive impacts on University libraries such as: ‘unable to respond to pace and scale of scholarly inquiry’; ‘library online catalog...waste bin’ and that ‘self reliance is the aspiration of every scholar; the reference desk...a point of failure’ and happy to joke about ‘resting easy’ at the expiration date of libraries (2009 p.525). The strength of his argument against research libraries ‘surviving’ the disruption caused by the digital world appears stronger than his opinions of strategies for counteraction.

Despite the gloom of how the future of the Library is being perceived, Heath tries to allay the reader’s fears that there is still purpose for a library and offers directions for a library’s survival. The author believes that establishing the importance of a University library as a resource of staff who have taken ‘different and disciplined tactics’ to develop critical thinking skills in students (2009 p.526), and the necessity for upgrading information searching tools to be ‘efficient, transparent navigation systems’ exemplify how UT is responding to the ‘digital disruption’ institutions such as UT are facing.  An extensive reporting on the UT’s changes and adaptations to collection allocation and storage (2009 p.529) and connections to other universities’ resources (2009 p.530) also offers the reader examples of how this University is changing or perhaps re-inventing itself in order to ‘survive’.

Heath’s summary asks the question ‘Will research libraries remain relevant?’ and answers positively as long as they are ‘facilitating critical inquiry’. Librarians have always been facilitators for obtaining information and will continue to do so in the future, despite changes in the way information is now so readily accessible. Libraries, as stated by Heath will be seen as an ‘indispensible ally’ in directing inquiry into the ever expanding and unfamiliar information universe (p.531).  Florida International University Library’s Strategic Plan 2009 – 2011 provides a more positive approach to the digital world’s affects on library environment; instead of just ‘surviving’, it uses key words such as ‘provide’, ‘build’, and ‘deliver’ environments both physical and virtual to a University Research standard, and possibly, most critically ‘foster, individually and collectively, collaborative Relationships with Users’. An interconnected relationship between a University and its students will keep it relevant in today’s society and understanding and responding to modern user behaviour is a critical role it must play.

Heath states that ‘our library world ...mirrors the broader society in which we live today’ (2009 p.520). It is the kind of mirror that must learn to be flexible in its reflection or crack under pressure. University libraries are no exception.

References:

Florida International University Strategic Plan 2009-2011 http://library.fiu.edu/AboutUs/MissionandVision/LibraryStrategicPlan20092011.aspx

Critical Review No. 3: 'Encouraging the digital economy and digital citizenship'

Missingham, R. (2009) Encouraging the digital economy and digital citizenship. Australian Library Journal, 58 (4), 386 -399

The key concepts of Missingham’s article is that Australia is a nation that is becoming more reliant on digital content and accessibility for its economic and social growth, but there are major issues faced by its citizens which need to be addressed.  In order for people to be fully included in the global digital environment, issues such as lack of access to digital content and skills to find correct digital content are areas where public libraries can be involved, as long as funding and support were apparent.

The author uses many Governmental references such as Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008a), Senate (2003), Australian National Audit Office (2009). This reinforces the facts given that reports on how Australia is lagging behind other comparative countries, in regards to being involved with digital services and opportunities, despite our wealth and stature as a first world nation. Although the author uses 2006 data, it seems incomprehensible that almost half of commercial businesses have no online presence in this modern day.  The author’s listings of where Australia sits in the digital world compared to other OECD countries, shows a definite weakness in our country’s uptake of digital inclusion. 

In order to provide the reader with where libraries are becoming involved, the author references a four year journey of a committee focussed on providing accessible online content through libraries. Electronic Resources Australia (ERA) was launched in 2007 as a national purchasing consortium. This is able to deliver quality information regarding Australian news, economics, referencing and health. Missingham states that by 2009, approximately 8.5 million Australians have online access through nearly 1,200 libraries; public, educational, special and state and national libraries (2009 p 394).  An extensive listing of national library groups involved shows the value of providing the public with the digital information they require.

This country will always have issues that arise with the large size of our land compared to the small number in population. Missingham states that the ‘combination of limited access because of connectivity and content issues’ (2009 p 389) is a major reason for frustration amongst those who particularly live in more regional areas of the country.

The author’s focus on three major issues which are barriers to digital knowledge and access are succinct but not extensive-

·        Connectivity; the author discusses the National Broadband Network, which is designed to reach the majority of the population, especially those in remote areas but does not mention other forms of network accessibility such wireless broadband eg 3 and now 4G network –offering high speed and high capacity. In 2011, this is still a subject of debate especially amongst politicians and commentators (zdnet.com.au 2011) as wireless technologies are taken up increasingly in the community.

·        Content; despite the extensive reporting of how ERA was born, and is used nationally, the author states that the current content model is ‘very fragile’ (2009 p 397) with no evidence to support this statement, though does make suggestions for a more cost effective national funding to provide more consistency and usability.

·        Capability; educating and upgrading user skills which could be achieved through training and support through public libraries, as well as online applications and services being user friendly for all. There are no other references to what skills are actually needed ie basics such as use of mouse/keyboard, computing definitions or more complex digital usage such as web-browser searching, tertiary research or social media setups. What training does the librarian need in order to teach the public these skills?

The author’s conclusion is strong in reinforcing that the Australian community needs assistance to reach its full potential in regards to having full access to online data, having current, user-friendly and informative content and being skilled in obtaining that data; all which can only advance our growing digital based society. For libraries to have a significant role in this advancement, funding is imperative.

References:

AAP, Taylor, J. (2011) Telstra 4G makes NBN unviable: Turnball. ZDnet as retrieved fromhttp://www.zdnet.com.au/telstra-4g-makes-nbn-unviable-turnbull-339309209.htm

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008b) Household Use of Information Technology, Australia 2007-08, ABS Publication 8146.0 Canberra ABS Retrieved from http://abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/allprimarymainfeatures/ACC2D18CC958BC7BCA2568A9001393AE?opendocument

Australia National Audit Office (2009) Online Availability of Government Entities' Documents Tabled in the Australian Parliament, Canberra ANAO, Retrieved from  http://www.anao.gov.au/uploads/documents/2008 - 09_Audit_Report_37.pdf

Senate, Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts       References Committee (2003) Libraries in the online environment, Senate Canberra. Retrieved from http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/ecita_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002 - 04/online_libraries/report/report.pdf

NBN (n.d) ZDnet as retrieved from http://www.zdnet.com.au/topic/nbn//