Abstract:
This study explores whether librarians that work in schools that follow the International Baccalaureate program of studies, are familiar and make use of different Web 2.0 tools, and their specific application in supporting a student’s research project. A survey was posted in an online discussion forum and 28 librarians working in international schools participated. Five main conclusions are suggested: (1) Web 2.0 tools are mostly used for consumption activities (e.g., view) rather than for creation (e.g., post); (2) patterns of use differ between personal vs. professional usage; (3) a higher level of usage among those librarians self-defined as ‘loving new technologies’ and among those aged between 18-25; (4) Inadequate internet access is the major challenge to access of Web 2.0 tools, (5) the top choices for further learning were social bookmarking and wikis. These findings have practical implications and offer opportunities for planning professional development.
