For this post, I wanted to discuss foundations and the concept of Library 2.0 in the context of public libraries, primarily in the sense that public libraries are ever-changing spaces, and that this constant evolution really is the whole point of library services.
Something I found interesting is that in both Buckland’s 1992 text, Redesigning Library Services, and in Casey and Savastinuk’s 2007 text, Library 2.0, the same questions crop up that we still ask ourselves today in public library services. 20 to 30 years later and we are still curious about the same things, albeit in a world that has changed fairly drastically in terms of technology. We ask ourselves: What comes next? Where do we go from here? What will the future of libraries be? Are we still relevant?
In a way, these questions have remained unchanged for decades simply because libraries are always changing. There’s a level of uncertainty there that is, hopefully, embraced by every new generation of librarians. Buckland (1992) wrote that the library has two purposes: providing access to information, and ensuring that library services align closely with the needs of the people they serve. Although the methods of information delivery, the services provided, and the technologies present have changed over time, I do think that the ultimate purpose of libraries has remained constant: to be used by people who see themselves and their needs reflected in the services offered there.
While reading some of the other foundational texts in our earliest modules, something that stood out to me was the thought that I, and many of the colleagues I have worked with, can get so easily caught up in the challenges, bureaucracy, and red tape of librarianship, that we might end up forgetting why we are there in the first place. It’s not difficult to get lost in the need to “prove” that libraries are important, because often, numbers and statistics are what keep funding coming in from financial stakeholders. While these certainly are valid worries when considering how we can continue to provide services and adapt our services over time, we also need to remember why we have those services. Library patrons are not numbers on a budget sheet, but integral parts of their communities. In recognizing this, we can go back to our foundations and see what makes libraries so crucial. In my own view, the answer here is that public libraries bring people together. Libraries exist purely for the people that they serve. As information professionals, I think we are obligated to find out what our communities need, and attempt to fill in the gaps of service to the best of our abilities, while abiding by the limitations set forth by our budgets and governing bodies. This is the whole point and purpose of the Library 2.0: adapting to the changing technological environment, learning so that we can help others learn, and providing a space for creativity and community.
The very first thing I read for this course was the beginning of Stephens’ 2019 text, Wholehearted Librarianship. There is a part in the preface about the Community Closet run through the CADL in Lansing, and this reminded me of the personal care and hygeine organizer we have in my own library’s teen area for youth in need of those products. The items offered are basic, but they are necessities, and if they can help even one teen feel comfortable, safe, and cared for, then we’ve done our jobs right. I think Wholehearted Librarianship has really resonated with me, because it’s reminded me of the reason I wanted to be involved in libraries in the first place. Libraries are more than just spaces for books and quietude (although, they are still that at times, too). They are also spaces of comfort and connection. The notion that “The library should be human” (Stephens, 2019, p. 21) really rings true for me, as does the idea of the Caring Zone. Libraries only work well if the people working inside them genuinely care about the patrons using their services. Down below, I’ve included a video from the Santa Monica Public Library that showcases what public libraries really do for their communities. The “almost forgot this is the whole point” trend that’s been circulating on social media lately has really stuck with me, in both my personal and professional life. It’s a reminder that we’re not here for a long time, but we have to take care of each other and enjoy the little things while we can!
@smpubliclibrary Almost forgot that this is the whole point 💖 We love our community! #SMPL #SMPublicLibrary #SantaMonicaPublicLibrary #TheBestLibraryOnTheWestCoast #TheWholePoint #Fyp#ForYou #LibrariesOfTikTok #BookTok #LibraryLove
References
Buckland, M. (1992). Redesigning library services: A manifesto. American Library Association.
Casey, M. E., & Savastinuk, L. C. (2007). Library 2.0: A guide to participatory library service. Information Today.
Santa Monica Public Library [@smpubliclibrary]. (2025, May 15). Almost forgot that this is the whole point ♥ We love our community! [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@smpubliclibrary/video/7504831836346928414
Stephens, M. (2019). Wholehearted librarianship: Finding hope, inspiration, and balance. American Library Association.
