Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the concepts of Library 2.0 and Library 3-D and provide a proposal for taking advantage of the new opportunities prevailing in the adoption of Library 2.0 and Library 3-D concepts. The specific objectives of this study are as follows: to review the status of research in Pakistan on any aspect of Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and Library 3-D; to explore how a user-centered library can be developed with the help of Library 2.0 and Library 3-D applications; to find out information professionals' opinions in this regard; and to provide a proposal for adoption of Library 2.0 and Library 3-D tools.
Design/methodology/approach - This study is descriptive in nature and is based on a literature review and personal interviews. The researchers reviewed the findings of previous surveys recently conducted by researchers in Pakistan on different aspects of Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and Library 3-D. These surveys assisted the researchers in exploring the current status of acceptability of these applications by the library community in Pakistan. Moreover, semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomena under study. Finally, keeping in mind the findings of the literature reviewed, previous surveys and current interviews, a proposal for the survival of libraries in Pakistan in an era of emerging technologies is given.
Findings - It was found that libraries in Pakistan are now becoming aware of the use of Library 2.0 Second Life for Library Services.
Research limitations/implications - The interviews being limited to a purposive sample of information professionals, care has to be taken in generalizing the findings of the study.
Practical implications - The paper not only presents a good understanding of different concepts, such as Library 1.0, Library 2.0 and Library 3D, but also their application.
Originality/value - The paper is the first in Pakistan to deal with the emerging concept of Library 3-D. It also provides a proposal for information professionals in using Library 2.0 and Library 3-D applications for library services.