英文摘要 |
This article reviews prior research findings on computer mediated informal scholarly communication. Ten empirical studies revealing the relations between information & communication technologies (ICTs) and informal scholarly communication were analyzed and compared; a focus on research revealing the social impact or social shaping of ICTs had guided the paper selection. Types of ICTs covered in those studies included e-mails, collaboratories, and electronic forums. Most of the reviewed studies had focused on the effects or consequences of ICTs; only a few existing research had examined the social shaping of ICTs or ICT uses in social contexts. Based on what the studies were chiefly concerned, this article summarized seven aspects of ICT uses. Similar and contradictory findings were discussed and suggestions for future research were provided. |