Next generation catalogs that incorporate Web 2.0 tools can provide benefits to both library patrons and staff. These catalogs allow patrons to personalize their experience, collaborate with others, and provide feedback that can help libraries improve their collections and services. However, some Web 2.0 features may compromise authority control or patron privacy if not implemented carefully. Overall, features like tagging, reviews, and personalized accounts can increase the value of catalogs for finding and interacting with information.

1. Next Generation Catalogs:
Benefits of Using Web 2.0 Tools in OPACs

2. Web 2.0 Tools have profoundly
impacted the ways we seek and
retrieve information in our daily
lives.
 Web users can now interact with the
information they find.
 RDA developed by libraries in
response to changing information
environment.
 Next Generation Catalogs benefit
patrons and libraries alike.

3. Some Cons of Using Web 2.0
Tools in OPACs
 Loss of Authority Control
 Loss of Patron Privacy
 Potential Legal & Security Issues for
Libraries

4. Pros of Next Gen OPACs for
Patrons:
 Personalization
 Instant Gratification
 Collaboration
 Interaction
 Ability to Modify Content

5. Pros of Next Gen OPACs for
Libraries
 Increased Value of Catalog
 User-feedback helpful for library
processes like weeding and
acquisition of materials

6. Web 2.0 Tools that increase
value of OPACs
 Tagging
 User-contributed reviews
 Personalized Accounts

7. Conclusion
 A personalized account space within
an OPAC where patrons may interact
with other patrons and the information
retrieved from the catalog increases
the value of the catalog for both
patrons and libraries.