Professionals and Web 2.0

CCH gathered some great information on “professionals” using Web 2.0: Professionals and Web 2.0 (.pdf).

They interviewed 229 professionals within organizations across the Asia-Pacific region. The report addresses the use of wikis, blogs, social networks, and RSS in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. The respondents consisted of professionals in tax & accounting, legal, HR and business. Most of them were employed by orgainzation with over 200 employees. the report indicates taht web 2.0 is becoming a way for you to start research and keep up with developments in your industry.

Web 2.0 is rapidly changing the landscape of professional information, with 43.7% of professionals using Web 2.0 tools at least once a week. While results show there is some reluctance for many organisations to adopt Web 2.0 before value can be established, a high percentage of ad-hoc use (at least 25.8%) is occurring due to the accessibility and functionality of the tools. This suggests Web 2.0 applications have gained a significant share of time spent online. We are increasingly using these tools to search, communicate and contribute to the web in both a personal and professional context.

Some highlights from the report:

• 33% of the respondents in the legal field said they used a wiki for professional purposes at least once a week.
• 35% of the respondents in the legal field use a blog for professional use at least once a week.
• 20% of the respondents in the legal field use a social network for professional use at least once a week.

Sure, you can look at the numbers and say that they have not reached early adoption. But, two years ago these numbers would probably be close to zero. I predict we will see these numbers crossing into the majority within two years.

Thanks to James Mullan of the Running Librarian for pointing out the report.