Ali, Maryam Mustafa (2006) Bridging knowledge divides: internet-based academic research in Saudi Arabia. In: 14th European Conference on Information Systems, 2006-06-12 - 2006-06-14, Göteborg, Sweden, SWE.
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
Information Technology is commonly referred to as a powerful tool which can provide many opportunities for developing countries. It is seen in particular as a prime enabler for many societies to become 'knowledge societies', and to integrate into the 'global economy .In Saudi Arabia, government authorities as well as academics and their institutions have very positive attitudes towards the importance of technology for development. These attitudes, alongside economic prosperity, have helped make these technologies widely available. This paper looks at the extent to which access to electronic journals has empowered the Saudi academic community in their research. This question is explored through the use of qualitative research methods. Data was collected through interviews and further interpreted using the theory of institutionalism. The findings suggest that the majority of academics in Saudi Arabia resist using electronic journals for their research because they are sceptical of this new method of research. Further, they believe that it cannot replace traditional means of research, and they call for the localization of knowledge and resources. Furthermore, their limited engagement with ICTs for academic research has been shaped by various contextual constraints of Saudi Arabian educational institutions, including the perceived role of such institutions - as places of instruction rather than research.
| Item Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | © 2006 The Author |
| Divisions: | LSE |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > ZA Information resources > ZA4050 Electronic information resources |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Dec 2012 12:21 |
| Last Modified: | 13 Sep 2024 14:03 |
| URI: | http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/47764 |
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