Cultural and technical networks: a qualitative approach

Abstract

This paper presents results from research into the uses and usefulness of electronic bibliographic databases in academic contexts, using ethnographic and focus group techniques. This research looks at the processes of sense-making (and the breakdown of such attempts) in the ethnographic context of particular academic departments. The ethnographic and focus group data was gathered from students and staff of three faculties at three universities, addressing relations between cultural and technical networks in knowledge production and information management.