Intelligent libraries and apomediators: Distinguishing between Library 3.0 and Library 2.0

• Published in: Journal of librarianship and information science Vol. 45; no. 3; pp. 187 - 197
• Main Authors: Kwanya, Tom, Stilwell, Christine, Underwood, Peter G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.09.2013; Sage Publications
• Subjects: Comparative Analysis; Computer Software Evaluation; Computer System Design; Database Management Systems; Electronic Libraries; Exact sciences and technology; Future developments; General aspects; Information and communication sciences; Information Networks; Information science. Documentation; Librarians; Libraries; Library Automation; Library Development; Library Research; Library Role; Library Services; Names; Sciences and techniques of general use; Technological Advancement; Trends; Web 3.0; Web 2.0; Library 2.0; semantic web; Library 3.0; Library 4.0; Apomediation; Semantic web; World wide web; Library
• ISSN: 0961-0006; 1741-6477
• DOI: 10.1177/0961000611435256

Using the ‘point oh’ naming system for developments in librarianship is attracting debate about its appropriateness, basis and syntax and the meaning and potential of Library 2.0. Now a new term, Library 3.0, has emerged. Is there is any significant difference between the two models? Using documentary analysis to explore the terms, the authors conclude that Library 2.0 and Library 3.0 are different. Whereas Library 2.0 could be seen as attempting to weaken the role of librarians in the emerging information environment, Library 3.0 projects librarians as prominent apomediaries guiding library users on how best to locate, access and use credible information in myriad formats from diverse sources, at the point of need. The Library 3.0 model has revived hope amongst those who were uncomfortable with the crowd intelligence architecture on which the Library 2.0 model was founded. It provides the tools and framework to organize the infosphere that the Library 2.0 threw into disarray. The authors see the 3.0 library as a personalizable, intelligent, sensitive and living institution created and sustained by a seamless engagement of library users, librarians and subject experts on a federated network of information pathways.