‘It’s like a permanent corridor conversation’: an exploration of technology-enabled scholarly networking at The Open University

Wilks, Linda (2009). ‘It’s like a permanent corridor conversation’: an exploration of technology-enabled scholarly networking at The Open University. University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA.

URL: https://wiki.projectbamboo.org/display/BPUB/Open+U...

Abstract

This report summarises research conducted in the Open University during January 2009 which looked at OU technology-enabled scholarly networking activity. The research found that social networking and scholarly networking are blurred in web 2.0 environments. Scholarly networks comprise a range of stakeholders, including academics, academic-related staff, the institution, students and the general public. The tools in use include commercially provided networks such as Facebook, Ning and Twitter, and OU-driven networks such as Platform and the Knowledge Network. The online research repository, ORO, is identified as a model of good information management practice. The need to incorporate informal information management tools, such as tagging is also stressed, however. The move towards the provision of open access to resources is found to underpin the OU’s extensive provision of high quality materials in multi-media formats to the general public. Issues of security, personal privacy, time management and training are also highlighted. Recommendations for the next steps are made, including the components of a dedicated arts and humanities scholarly network.

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