Librarians 2.0: sowing padi in (the) SEA

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an exploratory survey as part of a presentation for the Bridging Worlds 2008 conference. It seeks to understand how library institutions in the South East Asia (SEA) region have implemented Web 2.0 technologies – blogs, RSS feeds, wikis, or the use of services like Flickr, YouTube, de.lici.ous.

Design/methodology/approach

Libraries surveyed were in: Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, People's Republic of China, Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan. The survey relied on references in published papers, internet searches and personal contacts.

Findings

The survey found that more academic libraries than public libraries were using Web 2.0. technologies. Blogs and RSS feeds were the most common. Blogs were used mainly as web publishing tools rather than as a means to engage library users.

Research limitations/implications

The survey is not comprehensive. The search relied mainly on English publications and keywords, while the native language of most countries surveyed was non‐English. Future research could comprehensively cover each country, by the type of library or language.

Practical implications

The paper contends that Web 2.0 does not rely on technology, but more on practice and participation. The emphasis should be on relationships rather than transactions. Suggestions are offered on how libraries can adopt a Library 2.0 mindset without focusing on technology. A call is made to establish an East Asian Librarians 2.0 directory.

Originality/value

The paper offers a non‐technological perspective to institutions and practising professionals who are reviewing their Web 2.0 implementation.

Citation

Chew, I. (2009), "Librarians 2.0: sowing padi in (the) SEA", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 43 No. 3, pp. 275-287. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330330910978572