This document discusses a case study on perceptions of Library 2.0 applications among library and information science professionals in selected university libraries in Assam, India. A survey was conducted of 57 LIS professionals, with 43 responding. The study found that while awareness of Library 2.0 tools was high, only about a third were currently using them. The most commonly used tools were blogs, social networking sites, and RSS feeds. Respondents indicated tools could help communicate with users and provide updated information, but many faced barriers to use like copyright concerns and unreliable internet access. Most desired training to better integrate Library 2.0 applications in their work.

1. Perception Towards Library 2.0 Applications Among LIS
Professionals in Selected University Libraries of Assam: A
Case Study
Sur Chandra Singha
Research Scholar, DLISc,
Assam University, Silchar – 788011
Dr. Mukut Sarmah
Assistant Professor, DLISc,
Assam University, Silchar – 788011

2. Introduction
To facilitate the right information at the right
time to the right users in the right format at
the right place;
Library has been adopting new emerging
technology;
It promotes varieties of library services such as
CAS; SDI, Web OPAC, on-line reference
services etc;
These tools are becoming more and more popular

3. Shifts in Library Approach
Traditional Library Modern Library
Card Catalogue OPAC/ Web OPAC
DDC/UDC/CC OCLC
Resource Sharing/ILL Library Consortia
AACR II/CCC MARC/CCF
Book Order Online Book Order
Reference Service Digital Reference
Service

4. Reasons for Using L2 Applications in Library
 Many Web 2.0 tools are available freely;
 Easy to communicate library users;
 Facilitating up to date information to library
users;
 Useful for taking user feedback of existing
library services;
 Easy to help library users.

5. Library 2.0 Tools
Blogs;
SNS;
Wikis;
RSS Feed
IM
Mashup etc.

6. Role of Library 2.0 Applications in Library Services
The application of Library 2.0 tools acts as an intermediate
actor between information sources and voracious users.
(Mediator/Anchor)

7. Scope And Limitation Of The Study
 Assam University, (Central University)
 Tezpur University, (Central University)
 Gauhati University, (State University)
 Dibrugarh University. (State
University)

8. Objectives Of The Study
 To know the awareness on Library 2.0
applications among LIS Professionals in
selected University Libraries of Assam;
 To find out the use of wikis, blogs, RSS feed,
SNS, podcasting, Mashup etc. among LIS
Professionals for providing services in the
university libraries;
 To identify and examine the different purposes
for using Library 2.0 tools by LIS professionals.

9. Methodology
 Survey Method;
 A Well-structured Questionnaire;
 Closed Ended Questions;
 Open Ended Questions.

10. Data Analysis And Interpretation
A total number of 57 questionnaires were distributed to the
LIS professionals of selected University Libraries of Assam,
out of which 43 filled in questionnaires were received back
by the researchers. The response rate was 75%.

11. Awareness of Library 2.0 Tools
74%
26%
Percentage (%)
Yes No

12. Awareness about Library 2.0
Tools

13. Use of Library 2.0 Tools
67%
33%
Percentage (%)
Yes No

14. Acquiring Skills for the Use of Library 2.0 Tools
Learn through
self-practice
Through
friends/colleag
ues
Through library
schools
Through
workshop
58.13
28
0
25.59
Percentage (%)

15. Reasons for Not Using Library 2.0 Tools
Inability to prove "authenticity of the
content"
IPR and copyright issues
Institutional fears
Unreliable power supply
13.95
13.95
16.27
6.97
Percentage (%)

16. Purposes of Using Library 2.0 Tools
To publish library
news/announcements/events
To participate in
discussions/interaction
To keep users aware with knowledge
current subjects
To share information about new arrival
of books
to provide information literacy
instruction/library tutorials
To share information about new E-
journals
For Communication only
32.55
16.28
32.55
23.25
16.27
2.32
2.32
Percentage (%)

17. Problem in Using Library 2.0 Tools
13.95
60.46
41.86 41.86
2.32
11.62
Percentage (%)

18. Training Needs on Web 2.0 Tools
96%
2% 2%
Responses (N = 43)
Yes
No
Non respondent

19. Type of Training Required on Web 2.0 Tools
Application of web 2.0 tools libraries
Workshops for using
Blogs/SNS/Podcasting etc. in libraries
Workshops on application of mashups
72.09
55.81
34.88
Percentage (%)

20. Conclusions
 Library Science Schools and Libraries
should conduct workshops / seminars
to train the LIS professionals on
Library 2.0 tools;
 These tools can really provide a
platform to interact with the library
users on-line and meet the increasing
the demands of the users with efficient
services.

21. Thank You
Very Much
For Your Patient
Hearing
Have a Nice Day