The changing role of librarians in the digital world. Adoption of Web 2.0 technologies by Pakistani librarians
| Pages | 469-479 |
| Published date | 03 August 2012 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640471211252184 |
| Date | 03 August 2012 |
| Author | Muhammad Arif,Khalid Mahmood |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
The changing role of librarians in
the digital world
Adoption of Web 2.0 technologies by Pakistani
librarians
Muhammad Arif
Department of Library and Information Science, Allama Iqbal Open University,
Islamabad, Pakistan, and
Khalid Mahmood
Department of Library and Information Science, University of Punjab, Lahore,
Pakistan
Abstract
Purpose – The aim of this study was to explore the pattern and extent of the adoption of Web 2.0
technologies by Pakistani librarians.
Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted using web-based surveying software
(SurveyMonkey) and Pakistan based LIS e-mail discussion groups. Professional librarians serving in
all types of libraries participated in the study.
Findings – Instant messaging, blogs, social networking and wikis were the most popular Web 2.0
technologies. Librarians adopted such technologies in their professional and personal lives. Gender,
length of professional experience and place of work have no effect on the frequency of use, while
perceived skill level of internet use and perceived ease of Web 2.0 use have a significant effect on the
frequency. Lack of computer literacy, and lower availability of computers and internet facilities were
the major hindrances of Web 2.0 adoption by librarians. Awareness and training programs could
enable librarians to cope with Web 2.0 technologies.
Research limitations/implications – Due to the use of a non-probability/non-representative
sampling method, the results cannot be generalized.
Practical implications – This study will create awareness among LIS professionals toward the use
of advanced technology in their professional environment. The findings of this study will contribute to
the successful adoption of Web 2.0 in libraries.
Originality/value – This is the first study on the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in Pakistani
librarianship.
Keywords Web 2.0, Library2.0, Worldwide web, Internet, Librarians, Blogs, Wikis,
Technology adoption,Pakistan
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
During the last two decades rapid technological developments have affected library
services. Specifically for the last five years, Web 2.0 technologies, a second genera tion
of the world wide web, have had a significant impact on the higher education sector as
well as on libraries all over the world. Introducing the term in 2004, O’Reilly (2006)
defined Web 2.0 as:
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
Adoption of Web
2.0 technologies
469
Received September 2010
Revised December 2010
Accepted December 2010
The Electronic Library
Vol. 30 No. 4, 2012
pp. 469-479
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640471211252184
To continue reading
Request your trial