Yesterday I came home from the Computers In Libraries conference in Washington DC. Recognizing the importance of technology in libraries, this conference has been going on for 21 years, and it was great to be able to attend the 2006 edition.

If I were asked to name one underlining theme of the conference it probably would be Library 2.0, the library specific counterpart to Web 2.0. Web 2.0 refers to the latest generation of web sites, which are more interactive, collaborative, personalized, and customizable (using tools like AJAX, blogs, wikis, podcasts, RSS feeds, etc.). One speaker said that traditionally, libraries have been somewhat behind the technological times, or as he put it, “Libraries: giving you yesterday’s technology, tomorrow.”

But, internet users are expecting more. They’re using excellent web 2.0 applications (such as Google maps or del.icio.us) everywhere else, why not at the library’s web site?

However, there are some innovative applications out there in the library world right now. Below are just a few cool things librarians are doing with technology.

• WPopac – An online library catalog put inside the framework of the blogging software, WordPress.
• Biz Wiki – A wiki set up to deliver information to students who are doing research in the business field.
• Talis Whisper – A prototype library application incorporating many web 2.0 features.
• Cincinnati Memory Project – A digitization project using open source software.

I also discovered all kinds of new blogs to read. So many blogs, so little time…