Contrary to the mousy demeanor of librarian stereotypes, a great many online librarians seem to take an almost combative tack when discussing the Library 2.0 model.  Is this a constructive way forward for libraries? And does some fault lay with the proselytizers of the Library 2.0 philosophy?

The widely read Annoyed Librarian can be viewed as the caustic vanguard of the anti-Library 2.0 movement (as well as many other things "new").  Her derision towards the Library 2.0 movement, or twopointopians, as she calls them, seems to stem largely from what she perceives as a disregard for books, a disregard for traditional library service, and a self-serving tendency to proclaim anything computer or technology related, part of their provence.  While AL's tone is deliberately inflammatory, it seems like pro-Library 2.0 sympathizers are doing themselves a disservice with their relentlessly positive, promotional postings and most of all the term "Library 2.0" itself.

By its very nature it is an attack on traditional library service.  It asserts that libraries must reinvent themselves, discarding centuries of history for here today, gone tomorrow web applications (five years ago? It was Friendster, not Facebook, that was all the rage -- why commit conceptually to a particular franchise?).

Given the confusion that stems from adopting a corporate philosophy, driving it with incessant promotion, and the resistance to change within librarianship, it seems like proponents of Library 2.0 are setting up a confrontation that is unnecessary.

Librarianship can and should evolve with changing technology, culture and ideas.  A hundred years ago, the idea of patrons browsing the shelves themselves was controversial and the subject of debate in meetings and letters.  There are echoes of that debate in today's blog battles.  To sidestep the debate, we might need to step away from the contentious term "2.0" and just deal with improving the user's experience -- through every technology available.  Our college campuses, with ethernet connectivity and computer savvy students, are the perfect petri dish to explore online and interactive services. 

I don't have all the answers, but it seems apparent no else does either.  Please share your comments and thoughs; perhaps we can start bridging the gap as students so we'll find a better professional environment when we join it.  And perhaps there will even be art galleries.