Supporting knowledge sharing through the usage of web 2.0 technologies in Kuwaiti governmental high school libraries

Abstract EN

The present research aims at exploring the use of web 2.0 tools: such as Blogs and Social Network Sites (SNS), by Librarians working at governmental high school libraries in the State of Kuwait for supporting sharing information and knowledge with students and teachers.

Therefore, the researchers designed a questionnaire divided into three main sections.

The first section includes general information.

The second section deals with the uses of two Web 2.0 tools.

The third section revolves around the challenges that constrain the use of Web 2.0 tools which includes awareness, managerial and personal issues The findings show that most participants used SNS rather than Blogs.

Furthermore, four major issues were identified as factors that hindered the use of Web 2.0.

These were: a lack of awareness and support on the part of authorities, a lack of ICT training, and inadequate competency in the English language.

Therefore, It is strongly recommended that awareness of the importance of Web 2.0 tools and new technologies in school libraries is promoted, that continuous professional development training is provided, and that English language courses are developed for librarians.