An Analysis of Faculty Members’ Engagement with Academic Social Networking Sites of Public University in Bangladesh
Keywords:
Academic social networking sites, Research promotion, Scholarly communication, Faculty Members, Digital Scholarship, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)Abstract
Academic social networking sites (ASNS) such as Google Scholar, Academia.edu, and ResearchGate have become increasingly popular among scholars, allowing them to share research, connect with peers, and stay updated on trends. This study analyzed ASNS usage among faculty members at Rajshahi University through a structured questionnaire distributed to 97 faculty members.
The findings revealed that most participants had been using ASNSs for three or more years, with daily and weekly visits being common. Faculty members primarily utilized ASNSs for downloading articles, networking, and promoting their research. These platforms significantly enhance research visibility and facilitate collaboration across disciplines. However, challenges such as the unavailability of full-text articles and information overload were also noted, indicating areas for improvement. Despite these obstacles, ASNSs are vital tools in academic settings, supporting research dissemination and professional networking.
In conclusion, by addressing these challenges and promoting effective ASNS use, faculty members at Rajshahi University can enhance their research impact and academic success.
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