March 03, 2007

End of Web 2.0 Principles - House to Consider Social Networking Bill

The American Libraries Online reports that the U.S. House is considering a social networking bill again.

The bill (H.R. 1120) withholds federal e-rate funding from libraries and schools that do not restrict the use of social networking websites by minors.

I am a strong believer that Web 2.0, and more specifically Library 2.0, is more about how users interact and contribute to their personal experience with the information than the specific tools. It is no longer about just receiving information, but that a user can pick how they receive their information, pick their interface, add value to the information for the next person with comments or other additions, and promote other forms of real time collaboration.

If this is bill is as vague as people are suggesting, we will be taking several steps backwards from the way people have evolved in the utilization of information. Our economy is knowledge based and international in scope, but politicians continue to try to decrease collaboration and reduce U.S. competitiveness. Why are we not improving our education methods first, before restriction? Our children are leaving school at a disadvantage because we keep roadbocking their information/collaboration/communication development.

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ALA Blog: Are You 2.0 Yet Government News & Resources Libraries & Librarianship Library 2.0 Social Networks Web 2.0