How scholars use academic social networking services

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate how scholars use academic social networking services (ASNSs). The study was designed in a qualitative research methodology. The data of the study were collected by a questionnaire developed by the researchers and inductive content analysis was applied to the data. The final version of the questionnaire consisted of open-ended questions, multiple response items along with demographics. The participants of the study were 95 scholars from 34 different universities and 29 different departments in Turkey. According to the findings, although ASNSs are widely used, the majority of the participants do not acquire them as a way of collaborative knowledge building with other researchers. The findings of the study were discussed with respect to socio-cultural aspects and scientific convention, as well as how ASNSs might have a role in the process of collaboration and information development with researchers across the globe.