Impact of Web 2.0 technologies on academic libraries: a survey of ARL libraries

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to present the results of a survey of academic libraries about the adoption and perceived impact of Web 2.0 technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 67 US academic libraries participated among the members of the Association of Research Libraries.

Findings

It was found that each library was using some form of technology, such as RSS, blogs, social networking sites, wikis and instant messaging. On a Likert‐type scale the participant librarians significantly preferred the advantages of Web 2.0 over its disadvantages. There was a significant positive correlation between the extent of Web 2.0 adoption in libraries and librarians' opinion about their advantages.

Originality/value

The paper is useful for future planning of the use of Web 2.0 technologies in academic libraries.

Citation

Mahmood, K. and Richardson, J.V. (2013), "Impact of Web 2.0 technologies on academic libraries: a survey of ARL libraries", The Electronic Library, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp. 508-520. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-04-2011-0068