What is Librarian 2.0 – New competencies or interactive relations? A library professional viewpoint

Abstract

Library 2.0 is a change in the way libraries interact with their users. Technological developments on the Web have had a major influence on these changes. The change also places new requirements on librarians’ competencies and skills. This research investigates how librarians themselves see this change in terms of their work identity and working knowledge. The research shows what kinds of qualities and characteristics are expected from a ‘Librarian 2.0’, according to a group of professional librarians. The results associate ‘Librarian 2.0’ firmly with the Web, although some of the more traditional characteristics of librarianship have retained their relevance. This research also shows that the change towards a ‘Librarian 2.0’ can be seen as intimidating by some librarians, a fact that has to be taken into account when libraries develop their future strategies.