Responding to user's expectation in the library: innovative Web 2.0 applications at JUIT Library: A case study

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an insight into the implementation of some of the innovative Web 2.0 applications at Jaypee University of Information Technology with the aim of exploring the expectations of the users and their awareness and usage of such applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was undertaken at the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. The LRC at JUIT serves its patrons in supplementing their research needs while creating an ambience for teaching, learning and research. The emergence of digital technologies and information and communications technology (ICT) tools in libraries has encouraged the implementation of a wide range of applications, such as digital libraries, video on demand, reference services and database services into library services. The advent of next‐generation web technologies, known as Web 2.0 applications, has prompted a number of other pertinent services to be implemented to enhance the information literacy skills of the existing services. A survey method was used to understand the basic awareness and expectations of library users, and the usability of resources.

Findings

The LRC has made a number of provisions to adopt some Web 2.0 applications in its library services to create information literacy. The users of the JUIT library still lack awareness about various Web 2.0 applications necessary for teaching and learning.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that Web 2.0 applications can be used effectively to create information literacy amongst users. Library and information science (LIS) educators should take advantage of advances in the field of ICT and consider the learning preferences of information natives as well as information immigrants. Web 2.0 supports a constructivist approach to information awareness tools, and has great potential to socialise learning and information delivery to a greater extent. Web 2.0 technologies should be implemented as a medium of information communication, taking into account the pedagogical perspectives.

Originality/value

The case study is a practical application at the Jaypee University of Information Technology. The LRC has implemented some Web 2.0 applications in the Library. The study was undertaken at the university to understand the basic awareness of Web 2.0 and to create information literacy amongst users through it.

Citation

Ram, S., Paul Anbu K, J. and Kataria, S. (2011), "Responding to user's expectation in the library: innovative Web 2.0 applications at JUIT Library: A case study", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 45 No. 4, pp. 452-469. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330331111182120