Knowledge and Use of Web 2.0 by LIS Academics in Iran

Abstract

The present paper discussed results of a study which aimed to explore the knowledge and use of Web 2.0 technologies by LIS academics in Iran and to explore the challenges they faced for using these technologies. The research method was explorative and empirical. Data was collected through a web-based survey questionnaire containing both open and close ended questions. The results showed that LIS academics in Iran had good level of familiarity with some Web 2.0 tools such as blog, wiki, YouTube and Facebook. However, their familiarity with some other Web 2.0 tools such as RSS, feeds, Twitter, Flickr, Delicious and podcast was limited. Blog, discussion groups, chat tools, file sharing tools, Wikis, SMS, video sharing tools and forum were used respectively by LIS academics in their teaching. Internet filtering was identified as the most inhibiting barrier to the use of Web 2.0 tools. Lack of access to high speed internet and lack of training were pointed as the other identified barriers. Authors suggested that to reap the benefits of Web 2.0, LIS academics needed to find alternative non filtered Web 2.0 tools to employ in their teaching and research.

Keywords

• Web 2.0 technologies
• education 2.0
• Library 2.0
• LIS education
• LIS academics