Collaborative tagging in libraries: Literature as a case study

ABSTRACT In the informational paradigm of Web 2.0, information and documentation services deal with folksonomy practices, including collaborative tagging by producers and consumers of online resources. Studies reveal that some libraries have already implemented a 2.0 catalog and benefit from the collaboration of its users in many areas of knowledge, however researches about Literature, traditionally not indexed, are unusual. In order to verify if collaborative tagging would be a catalog enrichment factor and improve the service provided by libraries in this area of knowledge, a case study with Almeida Garrett’s books was accomplished, using data of LibraryThing platform. It was confirmed the predominance of correct information with added value as well as the occurrence of some of the problematic aspects reported in previous research. Thus, it defends an assisted folksonomy in collaborative tagging to Literature and concluded that this system would be advantageous for users of a 2.0 catalog, for information professionals and for collective construction of knowledge.