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Scholarly communities, e‐research literacy and the academic librarian

Scholarly communities, e‐research literacy and the academic librarian Purpose – The paper aims to explore the way in which the internet and e‐research are changing the nature of scholarly communities and the relationship between researchers and libraries; and to suggest how librarians can become more engaged with the e‐research process. Design/methodology/approach – A survey and focus groups investigating internet use by academic staff and research students at Curtin University (Western Australia) for e‐research and scholarly communication purposes. The survey questioned respondents on their formal and informal scholarly communication practices and the extent to which these have changed due to internet access. Further questions explored the extent to which respondents' use of the library had been impacted by internet access to services. Findings – The survey and focus groups indicate that research users are positive regarding the usefulness of the internet for research purposes and for expanding their scholarly community, but their attitudes are also marked by ambivalence. In particular they report that the internet may not replace the need for some more traditional forms of scholarly communication. Respondents report making less personal use of the library, but greater use of library services. Originality/value – The paper concludes with observations about changes to scholarly communities and the opportunity offered for academic librarians to develop the concept of e‐research literacy as a means of enhancing their engagement with scholarly communities. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png The Electronic Library Emerald Publishing

Scholarly communities, e‐research literacy and the academic librarian

Paul Genoni; Helen Merrick; Michele A. Willson
The Electronic Library , Volume 24 (6): 13 – Nov 1, 2006
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References (33)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2006 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
0264-0473
DOI
10.1108/02640470610714189
Publisher site
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Abstract

Purpose – The paper aims to explore the way in which the internet and e‐research are changing the nature of scholarly communities and the relationship between researchers and libraries; and to suggest how librarians can become more engaged with the e‐research process. Design/methodology/approach – A survey and focus groups investigating internet use by academic staff and research students at Curtin University (Western Australia) for e‐research and scholarly communication purposes. The survey questioned respondents on their formal and informal scholarly communication practices and the extent to which these have changed due to internet access. Further questions explored the extent to which respondents' use of the library had been impacted by internet access to services. Findings – The survey and focus groups indicate that research users are positive regarding the usefulness of the internet for research purposes and for expanding their scholarly community, but their attitudes are also marked by ambivalence. In particular they report that the internet may not replace the need for some more traditional forms of scholarly communication. Respondents report making less personal use of the library, but greater use of library services. Originality/value – The paper concludes with observations about changes to scholarly communities and the opportunity offered for academic librarians to develop the concept of e‐research literacy as a means of enhancing their engagement with scholarly communities.

Journal

The Electronic Library – Emerald Publishing

Published: Nov 1, 2006

Keywords: Internet; Universities

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