Social Media
General Study Research Proposal Web 2.0/Social Media
Version 1.2, May 2010
Background and Rationale for Study
Social networking systems are defined as Web based services that utilize social software, allowing users to create profiles, interact, share and communicate information. Social media is defined as “a group of Internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, and that allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content.” 1 Coined by Tim O’Reilly, the term Web 2.0 is commonly associated with the Internet and refers to an integrated and dynamic service platform that is highly interactive and facilitates content generated by interconnected user communities utilizing Web applications that allow interoperability, collaboration and information sharing. At least one of the TEAM Canada case studies is currently examining the preservation of social media content―CS09: AMS: Policies and Procedures for Web site Preservation―in relation to its Facebook page. Additionally, other TEAM Canada test-bed participants have mentioned the use of social media tools within their institutions. The adoption of social media tools to conduct business activities is on the rise and the use of these tools and technologies poses significant challenges for records management and long-term preservation. In June 2008, a survey was conducted of 1,988 executives from across the globe on their company’s business use of Web 2.0 technologies. It found that Web 2.0 technologies are having a fundamental effect on the way that companies are operating and how they are creating and utilizing information. “As Web 2.0 gains traction, it could transform the way companies organize and manage themselves, leading to what some have dubbed Enterprise 2.0.” 2 According to the study’s authors, “companies are not only using more [Web 2.0] technologies but also leveraging
1 Andreas M. Kaplan and Michael Haenlein (2010), “Users of the world, unite!
Version 1.2, May 2010
Background and Rationale for Study
Social networking systems are defined as Web based services that utilize social software, allowing users to create profiles, interact, share and communicate information. Social media is defined as “a group of Internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, and that allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content.” 1 Coined by Tim O’Reilly, the term Web 2.0 is commonly associated with the Internet and refers to an integrated and dynamic service platform that is highly interactive and facilitates content generated by interconnected user communities utilizing Web applications that allow interoperability, collaboration and information sharing. At least one of the TEAM Canada case studies is currently examining the preservation of social media content―CS09: AMS: Policies and Procedures for Web site Preservation―in relation to its Facebook page. Additionally, other TEAM Canada test-bed participants have mentioned the use of social media tools within their institutions. The adoption of social media tools to conduct business activities is on the rise and the use of these tools and technologies poses significant challenges for records management and long-term preservation. In June 2008, a survey was conducted of 1,988 executives from across the globe on their company’s business use of Web 2.0 technologies. It found that Web 2.0 technologies are having a fundamental effect on the way that companies are operating and how they are creating and utilizing information. “As Web 2.0 gains traction, it could transform the way companies organize and manage themselves, leading to what some have dubbed Enterprise 2.0.” 2 According to the study’s authors, “companies are not only using more [Web 2.0] technologies but also leveraging
1 Andreas M. Kaplan and Michael Haenlein (2010), “Users of the world, unite!