Navigating Scholarly Networks: A Study of Research Sharing Practices among Faculty and Researchers

Md. Mahmudul Hasan, Parul Parvin

Abstract

Research-based social networking sites (RSNs) have become integral platforms within the global scholarly ecosystem, facilitating the dissemination of research ideas as well as academic communication and collaboration. These platforms offer researchers opportunities to share publications, access scholarly resources, and establish professional networks beyond institutional and geographical boundaries. Despite their growing relevance, the extent to which faculty members and research scholars effectively engage with RSNs remains insufficiently explored.
This study aims to examine research-sharing attitudes and usage activities of faculty members and research scholars on major RSNs. Adopting a quantitative research design, data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered via a survey. The analysis focuses on users’ awareness of RSNs, frequency of use, preferred platforms, perceived benefits, and key challenges associated with their adoption.
The findings indicate a general lack of awareness and familiarity with RSNs, which contributes to low levels of active engagement among users. Among the platforms examined, ResearchGate and LinkedIn emerge as the most frequently used, with ResearchGate being the primary medium for research collaboration, publication sharing, data access, and scholarly interaction. The study further identifies several perceived benefits of RSN usage, including the exchange of research ideas and experiences, exposure to emerging research tools and techniques, and support in addressing research-related problems. However, research scholars also perceive RSNs as time-consuming and express concerns regarding fake identities and inadequate internet connectivity.
The study concludes by offering practical recommendations to enhance effective RSN utilization, including improving users’ awareness and digital literacy, fostering positive research-sharing attitudes, and strengthening technological infrastructure to support seamless academic communication.

 

Keywords: Research-Based Social Networking Sites; Academic Communication; Faculty Members; Research Scholars; Research Sharing; Digital Scholarly Collaboration; ResearchGate; LinkedIn; Academia.edu.

 

DOI https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.52.12.12


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