Author: N.S. Harinarayana and N. Vasantha Raju
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited
URL: www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
Abstract:
This article explores recent trends in the application of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 features via top 57 university library websites around the world. From the ranked list of 200 universities provided on the Times Higher Education web site, top 100 universities were considered for collection of data until finally, the selection was reduced to 57 universities. The bases for selection were whether the site was in English and whether it had at least one web 2.0 feature. The websites of each of these universities were visited and data on their web 2.0 features (such as Blogs, RSS, Instant Messaging, Wikis and the like) were collected and analyzed. Findings show that 37 University libraries use RSS feeds for dissemination of library news, events and announcements and 15 university libraries provide blog space for users. Furthermore, only one libraru uses wiki, while 37 libraries use Instant Messaging in providing reference service. The use of podcast ( three libraries) and Vidcast (six libraries) are yet to become popular facilities to be offered in university library web sites.
Three Things I Learned from my Reading Assignment:
1. Academic library websites have evolved from being static to being dynamic or interactive websites which encouraged user participation. Library websites are changing in their content and structure at a fast pace. The impact of web 2.0 applications to libraries are manifested through integration of web 2.0 features into their websites. These features such as RSS, Blogs, Wikis, User tagging sites, Instant Messaging and social networking sites like Facebook, are integrated are being utilized and integrated into their websites.
2. Libraries have been expanding their services by providing user-centered services through the apllication of web 2.0 facilities considering that the needs and expectations of users are changing.
3. The trends that are manifested suggest that web 2.0 will continue to grow and its utility will increase in libraries through adding more features into the library websites.
Implications of the new things I learned :
It can't be denied that the advent of web 2.0 has revolutionized the way libraries have served the needs of their users. Web 2.0 has allowed libraries to serve their users in better ways. But it is worth mentioning that libraries must not only have a better understanding of the nature of web 2.0 and its applications to libraries but they must also bear in mind the users' needs and expectations. To what extend do library patrons really welcome the web 2.0 features adopted by libraries?
Getting the librarians as well as the library staff to use and be aware of the emerging technologies such as web 2.0 applications to libraries is another important point. Library staff should be trained as to how these features of web 2.0 are applied in libraries. Librarians should also take up the web 2.0 challenge as a way to develop professionally through creating blogs, wikis, etc., for example. Collaboration and participation are the most attractive features of web 2.0. The trend is that it will continue to grow and to be utilized by libraries, that's why, librarians must learn to adapt to these changes quickly and judiciously.
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