Librarians’ Conceptions of Library 2.0 : A Phenomenographic Study

In the library community there is a continuous discussion about enhancing user interactivity on library websites, according to the principles of Web 2.0, called Library 2.0. The purpose of this thesis is to study how librarians conceive Library 2.0. The focus is on the study of the librarians’ conceptions of user interactivity on the website, and if the librarians conceive that their professional role is affected by Library 2.0. The study is implemented methodologically by interviewing six librarians and using phenomenography as an approach. The result showed several variations of descriptive conceptions that were divided into two conceptive categories. These two categories, A and B, are seen from three perspectives, the library as an institution, the librarians’ professional role and the librarians’ view of the user. Conception category A showed that Library 2.0 influences to a great extent, category B showed that Library 2.0 influences to a small extent. Examples of that influence are that Library 2.0 is a state of mind that permeates all library work. The professional role will be more individualized and that Library 2.0 will affect the relationship between librarian control and user influence. The user perspective shows conceptions that the social interaction will benefit in a democratic manner. The conceptions that Library 2.0 will influence to a small extent are not as prominent. The difference between category A and B indicates that Library 2.0 is conceived as something ideological as opposed to a technical tool. The results exhibit that Library 2.0 influences the library and the librarian.Uppsatsnivå: