| dc.description.abstract | Traditional models of libraries offering information services are not working for current generation of
students. Thecurrent generation of library users can be termed as‘digital natives’. These digital natives
have grown up in an environment surrounded by rapidly evolving technologies. This means that today’s
academic library users think about technology and information differently than previous generations,
and expect instant access to information. They can also be called ‘netGen’ users. With this kind of
environment and expectations, academic libraries need to evolve by changing to offer user-oriented
services and following users into their social spaces by allowing users to participate in the creation of
content, keeping the users constantly updated and building services based on their feedback. To achieve
this, libraries need to incorporate web 2.0 tools in the way they provide services. Some of the tools to
take advantage of include creation of blogs, wikis, flickr, youtube, facebook, RSS feeds,
socialbookmarks, microblogs, mashups and slideshare among others. Another obvious change noted
today and especially in Kenya is the development of university campuses all over the country. For most
of these campuses, one will find small rooms as libraries; with minimal resources and a few staff
members. This is a challenge and library 2.0 being a combination of both physical and virtual spaces
and services can offer solution to such campuses. In addition, many universities are offering distance
learning and evening programmes to cater for the working class people who want to advance their
careers. Do they have to come all the way to visit the library to get information for their studies? No.
Library 2.0 is their way out and therefore academic libraries have to invest in these tools, in addition to
off-campus access to e-resources. This paper will discuss library 2.0 as the new model of information
provision to library users and especially in the academic world. The library 2.0 tools and technologies
will be discussed and how they can be applied in an academic library | en_US |
