An investigation of digital scholarship and disciplinary culture in Oman

Ali AlAufi*, Paul Genoni

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate disciplinary differences in the use of networked information for research and scholarly communication at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Oman. The paper produced quantitative data on how and why academics within different disciplines utilise networked information either made available internally through the university library, or externally through services accessed by the internet. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was conducted with academic staff at SQU. Findings Statistical analysis found a number of significant differences between respondents in the science disciplines and those in the social sciences and humanities with regard to their use of, and attitudes towards, digital information services. While respondents from science disciplines show overall longer and more frequent use of networked information, respondents from humanities and social sciences indicated more positive attitudes towards library networked services. Research limitations/implications The Arab country context presents a challenge in determining the degree to which results can be extrapolated to other environments, in that disciplines are also divided by language. Science disciplines teach in English, and the social science and humanities in Arabic. Originality/value While similar studies have been undertaken in developed countries, this study is an attempt to establish some data for a developing Arab country.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)414-432
Number of pages19
JournalLibrary Hi Tech
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 7 2010

Keywords

  • Academic libraries
  • Languages
  • Networking
  • Oman
  • Research work

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Information Systems
  • Library and Information Sciences

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