An investigation and analysis of the application of Web 2.0 in Chinese university libraries

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an overall picture of the application of Web 2.0 technologies in Chinese university libraries. The focus of the research is what types of Web 2.0 technologies were applied in such libraries as well as their function and user interface.Design/methodology/approachThe top 30 Chinese university libraries were selected to investigate the application of Web 2.0 technologies. Content analysis was used in terms of quantitative approach. Data were collected by accessing these 30 university libraries web sites within five weeks.FindingsTwo‐thirds of Chinese university libraries deployed one or more Web 2.0 technologies. Only one‐tenth of libraries adopted more than four Web 2.0 technologies. RSS was the most widely applied, while Wiki was the least. The application of Web 2.0 technologies among Chinese university libraries was not extensive and profound enough.Research implicationsThe findings can be utilized to evaluate the status of Web 2.0 technology applications. The statistical data are very useful and authentic sources for improving the level of Web 2.0 technology application. It may enable future research to analyze other aspects (e.g. the application of RSS or Blogs for services).Originality/valueThis unique study explores the application of Web 2.0 mainly in Chinese university libraries that deployed any types of Web 2.0 technologies. This study is very useful for Chinese university libraries in evaluating/deploying Web 2.0. Library managers, librarians, and other libraries may also find this helpful, once they decide to implement such technologies in their libraries.

Applications of Mobile Social Media: WeChat Among Academic Libraries in China

“…Today, the use of social media in libraries is widespread (Jahan & Ahmed, 2012;Kim & Abbas, 2010;Linh, 2008;Si, Shi, & Chen, 2011). Studies demonstrate that some university library digital resources and services are fully utilized and developed through social media tools (Harinarayana & Raju, 2010;Liu, 2008).…”

Contents and Interactivity of National Library Websites

“…Social networking sites, Blogs, microblogs, RSS, instant messaging, mashups, podcasts, and vodcasts were widely used. Si, Shi and Chen 25 showed that majority of the Chinese university libraries used one or more web 2.0 tools in their websites. Boateng and Liu 26 revealed that all the 100 top US academic libraries had links to Facebook and Twitter in their websites.…”

Assessing the appropriation of social media by academic librarians in South Africa and Zimbabwe

“…Google Apps were mainly used for archiving information whereas YouTube was singled out as used for entertainment. Olasina (2011) notes that social media tools such as YouTube are powerful tools for leisure and, similarly, Si, Shi and Chen (2011) comment that tools such as wikis and RSS feeds are mostly used for searching for information and following current events respectively. Trubitt and Overholtzer (2009: 91) state that librarians have incorporated these applications into their daily routines, using "Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, online gaming environments, and other tools to build and maintain complex webs of professional and personal relationships".…”