Information Demand on Scientists' Internet Profiles

Helena Bukvova Technische Universität Dresden, Germany

Abstract
Many scientists nowadays choose to create profiles on the Internet and thus present themselves and their work to a worldwide audience. This study examines, how scientists use the existing online profiles when looking for information about their peers. Of particular interest are differences in behavior based on existing interpersonal ties (strong, weak, latent, and absent ties). The study analyzed data from an online survey of 123 European scientists using quantitative association measures and qualitative comparative analysis. The findings show, that the Internet can positively influence the development of social networks within the scientific community. However, the platforms available for presentation online are numerous and the peer audience heterogeneous. While Internet presence can be of advantage for scientists, it should be designed and maintain with deliberation.

Full Text Document:	Preview PDF 726Kb
Reference:	Bukvova, H. (2011). "Information Demand on Scientists' Internet Profiles," . Sprouts: Working Papers on Information Systems, 11(173). http://sprouts.aisnet.org/11-173
Keywords:	science communication, Internet profiles, online profile, scientists' self-presentation
Item Type:	Article - Volume 11 Article 173 (2011)
Language:	English
Email:	Helena Bukvova (helena.bukvova@tu-dresden.de)
Additional Information:	The working paper is a part of a PhD thesis submitted as Lovasz-Bukvova, H. (2011). Scientists' self-presentation on the Internet. Dresden, Germany: Technische Universität Dresden.

Repository Staff Only: item control page