Just Released, Special Collections 2.0

Web 2.0 applications are finding a place in a variety of professional endeavors—and nowhere with more usefulness and potential than in the realm of specialized document collection and archiving. Lynne M. Thomas and Beth Whittaker's new book, Special Collections 2.0: New Technologies for Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Archival Collections (Libraries Unlimited, June 30, 2009) offers advice and practical ideas for collecting, and preserving archival materials for optimal long-term access.

From the product description:

Special Collections 2.0 surveys the web's new options for interconnectivity and interactivity tool by tool, exploring the benefits and shortcomings of applying each to the special collection and archives profession. It combines expert analysis of the pros and cons of Web 2.0 with numerous reports of how wikis, blogs, photosharing, social networks, and more are already being put to work in this essential field. Creators, researchers, and caretakers of the historic record—even those anxious about using the Internet—will understand the best ways to put Web 2.0 to work in the service of our cultural heritage.

[JH]