Adoption of new media technology for information seeking among academics

The adoption of new media technology for information seeking among academics is a significant topic of interest in the field of information science. Here are some key findings and insights:

Factors influencing adoption:

  1. Perceived usefulness: Academics are more likely to adopt new media technologies if they perceive them as useful for their research and teaching activities.
  2. Ease of use: The ease of use of new media technologies is a critical factor in their adoption. Academics who find new technologies easy to use are more likely to adopt them.
  3. Social influence: The opinions and behaviors of peers and colleagues can influence an academic's decision to adopt new media technologies.
  4. Familiarity with technology: Academics who are already familiar with technology are more likely to adopt new media technologies.
  5. Institutional support: Institutional support, such as training and resources, can facilitate the adoption of new media technologies among academics.

Types of new media technologies:

  1. Social media: Social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, are increasingly being used by academics for information seeking and sharing.
  2. Collaborative tools: Collaborative tools, such as Google Docs and Microsoft Teams, are being used by academics to facilitate collaboration and information sharing.
  3. Open access journals: Open access journals are becoming increasingly popular among academics, who value the ability to access and share research freely.
  4. Data visualization tools: Data visualization tools, such as Tableau and Power BI, are being used by academics to analyze and present complex data.
  5. Mobile devices: Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are becoming increasingly important for academics, who use them to access information and communicate with colleagues on the go.

Benefits of new media technology adoption:

  1. Increased efficiency: New media technologies can increase the efficiency of information seeking and sharing among academics.
  2. Improved collaboration: New media technologies can facilitate collaboration and communication among academics, leading to improved research outcomes.
  3. Access to a wider range of information: New media technologies can provide academics with access to a wider range of information, including open access journals and online repositories.
  4. Enhanced research impact: New media technologies can enhance the impact of research by providing academics with new channels for disseminating their findings.
  5. Personal and professional development: New media technologies can provide academics with opportunities for personal and professional development, such as online courses and webinars.

Challenges and limitations:

  1. Digital literacy: Some academics may lack the digital literacy skills needed to effectively use new media technologies.
  2. Information overload: The abundance of information available through new media technologies can lead to information overload and decreased productivity.
  3. Security and privacy concerns: Academics may be concerned about the security and privacy of their personal and professional data when using new media technologies.
  4. Institutional barriers: Institutional barriers, such as lack of support or resources, can hinder the adoption of new media technologies among academics.
  5. Sustainability: The sustainability of new media technologies, including their long-term viability and scalability, is a concern for academics.

Future directions:

  1. Integration with existing systems: New media technologies should be integrated with existing systems and workflows to facilitate adoption and use.
  2. Training and support: Training and support should be provided to academics to help them develop the digital literacy skills needed to effectively use new media technologies.
  3. Evaluation and assessment: The effectiveness of new media technologies should be evaluated and assessed to ensure that they meet the needs of academics and improve research outcomes.
  4. Collaboration and networking: New media technologies should be used to facilitate collaboration and networking among academics, leading to improved research outcomes and increased impact.
  5. Institutional support: Institutions should provide support and resources to academics to facilitate the adoption and use of new media technologies.