Triggers and strategies related to the collaborative information-seeking behaviour of researchers in ResearchGate

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the triggers, strategies and outcomes of collaborative information-seeking behaviours of researchers on the ResearchGate social networking site.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from the population of researchers who use ResearchGate. The sample was limited to the Ph.D. students and assistant professors in the library and information science domain. Qualitative interviews were used for data collection.

Findings

Based on the findings of the study, informal communications and complex information needs lead to a decision to use collaborative information-seeking behaviour. Also, easy access to sources of information and finding relevant information were the major positive factors contributing to collaborative information-seeking behaviour of the ResearchGate users. Users moved from collaborative Q&A strategies to sharing information, synthesising information and networking strategies based on their needs. Analysis of information-seeking behaviour showed that ResearchGate users bridged the information gap by internalizing new knowledge, making collaborative decisions and increasing their work's visibility.

Originality/value

As one of the initial studies on the collaborative information-seeking behaviour of ResearchGate users, this study provides a holistic picture of different triggers that affect researchers' information-seeking on ResearchGate.

Citation

Ebrahimzadeh, S., Rezaei Sharifabadi, S., Karbala Aghaie Kamran, M. and Dalkir, K. (2020), "Triggers and strategies related to the collaborative information-seeking behaviour of researchers in ResearchGate", Online Information Review, Vol. 44 No. 5, pp. 1077-1096. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-12-2019-0380