American Cancer Hospital Web Sites and Adoption of Web 2.0 Technologies

Abstract

An examination of the Web sites of the 2010 top five hospitals for cancer care in the United States revealed that adoption of Web 2.0 technologies is variable, with Twitter and YouTube consistently present. Facebook, RSS feeds, blogs, and podcasts were also present on several Web sites. However, graphic icon links to Web 2.0 technologies on these hospital Web sites are not integrated into the top level site navigation, thereby limiting their visibility to site visitors. Cancer hospital librarians can assume a leadership role in the development and management of a consistent Web 2.0 presence on the Web site of their health care institution.

Keywords:

• cancer hospitals
• hospital Web sites
• libraries
• Web 2.0 technology

Notes

Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Column Editor: Christine Marton (E-mail: [email protected]).