The use and awareness of Web 2.0 tools by Greek LIS students

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the use of Web 2.0 tools and their use by Greek library science and information systems (LSIS) students; to study to what extent students use these tools both in everyday life and in relation to their studies. Design/methodology/approach - A web-based questionnaire was distributed to students of the LSIS Department at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, Greece; 240 (25.5 per cent) students of a total population of 958 responded. The paper presents students' knowledge concerning Web 2.0 tools, their use and understanding of such tools, and to draw conclusions regarding the penetration of such tools into their everyday life. Findings - The research found that although most of the students have heard of the term Web 2.0 and its tools, further knowledge of the subject is limited. This lack of knowledge was apparent in the poor ways that students exploited Web 2.0 features. The questionnaire, which was divided into two sections, examined the knowledge and use of Web 2.0 tools by students, and further explored the use of Web 2.0 tools in the educational process. It is hoped that the results of this study will provide insightful information to the Greek LIS community in order to better understand students' behaviour, with a view to encouraging the incorporation of new elements into the curriculum with regard to Web 2.0. Practical implications - The research suggests that the knowledge and implementation of Web 2.0 should begin in the LIS schools to prepare future library staff for the new challenges ahead. The Greek LIS research community has so far largely overlooked students' use of Web 2.0 Originality/value - The paper highlights that Web 2.0 is playing a leading role in library science.