Web 2.0 and Libraries: Facts or Myths

The objective and scope of this paper is to assess and highlight the potential of Web 2.0 in the context of libraries. The concept of Web 2.0 such as social networks, RSS feeds, blogs, streaming media, podcasts, Wikis, tags, mashups, etc. is defined and the possible applications in various library functions and activities are mentioned. In addition, the difference between the Web 2.0 and Web 1.0 is given and how during the past several years, new advances in web technologies have enabled libraries to create new interactive services, such as virtual reference services, personalised interfaces of online catalogues, and audio-visual media that can be downloaded by the user community irrespective of their physical locations. Thus, these emerging webbased features (Web 2.0) are opening new avenues and giving libraries the ability to offer the improved, customer-driven services to the user communities.