Local Government Use of Web 2.0: Los Angeles County Perspective

Abstract

Web 2.0 refers to various networked applications utilizing technologies such as application mashups, content syndication, videocasts, wikis, blogs, social networking, user tagging, social bookmarks and content and service rating. Such technologies are designed to reach, attract, and interact with a greater electronic user audience. The potential of these technologies for e-government applications at Los Angeles County is analyzed. The government model for leveraging Internet technologies is different from that of commercial enterprises or academia. Thus immediate utilization of seemingly attractive technological opportunities must be tempered by organizational, implementation, and social responsibility constraints. Appropriate attention needs to be paid to legal and operational issues. The main conclusion drawn is that Web 2.0 presents an opportunity for local governments such as Los Angeles County, but that there should not be a headlong rush to implementation without consideration of a variety of other issues.