XVII Refresher Course in Library Science, UGC Academic Staff College, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India. May 16 to June 05, 2012.

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Information Services using Web 2.0 Tools

V. Sriram

Chief Librarian, K N Raj Library,

Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram

Mob: 9447251892 E-mail: sriram@cds.ac.in

1 Introduction

Information Technology has developed very fast in the last three decades. This has

induced tremendous change in the area of computers, communication, and internet.

Interconnecting computers and electronic equipments and providing communication,

sharing data and services through such a network has revolutionized the way people

manage their day to day activity.

The rapid growth of internet based resources has also affected the researchers and

library users. The communication, networking and information seeking behavior of

people have undergone considerable changes with the advent of web based services

and applications with are broadly called ‘Web 2.0’.

Libraries are also adapting to these the changing environment to meet the needs and

demands of users by providing several innovative services. Libraries are taking full

benefit of information technology and its applications/tools to create and generate

new and varied platforms to reach out to the users for timely dissemination of

information.

2 Need

- Information Explosion, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolution

and also the change in information seeking behavior of the clients.

- E-Learning: new web based services are dramatically changing the education and

training sector. This has lead to the emergence of e-learning platforms.

- Social networking is the new approach in academic and public spheres. These

networks plays great role in helping people to learn share and contribute

simultaneously.

- New and innovative services using network applications are needed for harnessing collective intelligence.

XVII Refresher Course in Library Science, UGC Academic Staff College, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India. May 16 to June 05, 2012.

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- New generation users expect the services to be available in their gadgets including mobile phones, ipad, tablets and so on.

3 Web 2.0 Components

3.1 Weblog / Blog: This is an application for quick dissemination of current

information. Originally started as medium for maintaining personal diaries and

journals, this application gained popularity and affection of internet users very fast.

3.1.1 Features:

- Provides space for individuals to share their ideas / views

- Allows step by step chronological information presentation

- Provides updated information

- Generates discussion with likeminded people.

3.1.2 Use in Library:

- Library new additions, timings, holidays, announcements / notices

- Book discussions, reviews, new publications

- Links to prominent resources

- Information about new developments

3.2 RSS Feeds: RSS [RDF Site Summary] is a technology which enables users to get

feeds of data from content publishers via browser or special news reader tool. Items

reach the user free of spam, on-demand, and in easy to digest format.

RSS format is used for syndicating the content from blogs or web pages. Those who

need this feed can subscribe to it. Whenever the contents change, the RSS Feeds

delivers it to the subscriber.

Libraries can provide RSS Feeds for new additions, events, journals issues and so on.

3.3 Image Storage: online image storing applications allow users to upload

photographs and share it with others. There are features to create albums, assign

permissions to view, and comment. These applications can be integrated to other new

generation web tools.

XVII Refresher Course in Library Science, UGC Academic Staff College, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India. May 16 to June 05, 2012.

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Flickr and Picasa are some of the best online photo sharing applications

Libraries can use these applications to upload images of events, location map of library,

photo of library staff and so on.

3.4 Multimedia Storage: Online multimedia storage applications allow internet

users to upload, view and share video and other multimedia files. This is a very popular

platform used by individuals, business, industry, and organizations to offer the

information in video format.

You Tube is a very popular multimedia storage application.

Libraries can use these applications to upload videos of events, maintain audio/video

collection of lessons / lectures and so on.

3.5 Slide share: This online application provides facility for users to upload

presentation and share them with others.

Libraries can use this application to upload and maintain a collection of presentation of

lessons / lectures / seminar papers and so on.

3.6 Social Networking: This technology enables the internet users to network with

others through instant messaging, chat, etc.

Facebook and Twitter are most popular social networking sites.

Libraries can create an account, and add the users to the group to disseminate ready

reference information and also provide as a platform for sharing ideas.

4 Advantages

o Overcome the barriers of distance

o Develops network and contacts

o Increased visibility and popularity for your institution

o Facilitates frequent training and learning

o Enhanced retention

o Using advanced technology

XVII Refresher Course in Library Science, UGC Academic Staff College, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India. May 16 to June 05, 2012.

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5 Limitations

o Technical illiteracy among library staff

o Lack of training and orientation

o Lack of ICT infrastructure

o Attitude of Library staff towards modern technology

o Personal [face to face] interaction decreases

o Spamming and other security threats

6 Further Reading

http://www.diigo.com/?source=redirect_from_furl

http://www.facebook.com/

http://www.flickr.com/

http://www.slideshare.net/

http://twitter.com/

http://wordpress.com/

http://www.youtube.com/

Maness, Jack M. 2006. “Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries.”

Webology 3 (2) (June). http://www.webology.org/2006/v3n2/a25.html.

O’Reilly, Tim, and John Battelle. 2005. What Is Web 2.0: Design Patterns and Business

Models for the Next Generation of Software. O’Rielly. http://oreilly.com/lpt/a/6228.

O’Reilly, Tim, and John Battelle. 2009. “Web Squared: Web 2.0 Five Years On - by Tim

O’Reilly and John Battelle.” In San Fransisco.

http://www.web2summit.com/web2009/public/schedule/detail/10194.

Pai, Chandrakala N, and V Sriram. 2011. “New Librarian: Changing Roles, Skills, &

Techniques.” In , 26–32. Thane, India: V.P.M.’s K.G. Joshi College of Arts & N.G.

Bedekar College of Commerce.