Unmasking the potential of web 2.0 in academic libraries in Malawi: empirical findings

Abstract

It is now common knowledge that the internet has effectively turned the world into a 'global village'. The metamorphosis of the internet over the years has led to the emergence of Web 2.0 technologies that have attracted an appeal from the field of library and information science. Noting that many questions remain unanswered about how academic libraries in Malawi are using Web 2.0 technologies in their service delivery to their clients, this study investigated the status on the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in three academic libraries in Malawi. By administering a questionnaire, the study found that the library staff are aware of a plethora of Web 2.0 technologies; some of which have adopted and are using them to share work related ideas with colleagues, to keep track with professional current trends and to collaborate with colleagues in other libraries, and to interact with users. The study found further that poor Internet bandwidths, perpetual electricity outages and restrictive organisational policies remain the key stumbling blocks against the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies by academic library staff in Malawi