The Role of Libraries in Science 2.0: Focus on Economics
Source: D-Lib Magazine, vol. 21/7-8, July/August 2015
The presented empirical study explores the role of modern libraries in Science 2.0. The main focus lies on the researchers’ needs for an optimised use of Web 2.0 for scientific work. The participants were economists of different academic levels. We used a multi-method approach. First, three focus group interviews were conducted gaining information about the use of Web 2.0. Second, three individual interviews investigated the behaviour of frequent Twitter users. Third, to receive quantitative data on the issue, an online survey was conducted. The findings revealed that researchers were in principle open to the new opportunities of Web 2.0. However, so far, the Web 2.0 services of libraries were often unknown. Besides others, there were two remarkable findings: there was a wish for privacy which is reflected in the discrete use of different social networks for private versus professional purposes. Additionally, researchers express the need for academic, reliable networks but often did not know about existing ones (e.g., ResearchGate, Academia). The findings suggest that researchers are often not aware of the possibilities of Web 2.0 for their scientific work. Libraries could close this gap and provide necessary information about appropriate Web 2.0 services.
Keywords: Library 2.0, Science 2.0, Social Media, Web 2.0, Focus Groups, Individual Interviews, Online Survey, Economics, Information Services, Scholarly Communication