Leveraging Academic Social Media to Improve Librarian Research Output in Scopus/Web of Science Indexed Outlets

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of academic social media utilization on the volume of research output by librarians working in the southwestern region of Nigeria. This investigation adopted a descriptive survey research design and a sample of 363 librarians employed in university libraries located in the southwestern region of Nigeria. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were utilized to analyze the data collected. The results of the study revealed a low level of research output by librarians in Scopus and Web of Science indexed publications. However, the study also demonstrated that librarians who utilized academic social media platforms such as Figshare, Orcid, and ResearchGate had a higher likelihood of having their research published in outlets indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. In conclusion, this study supports the argument that the utilization of academic social media can enhance the likelihood of publication in Scopus and Web of Science indexed outlets. Based on these findings, it is recommended that efforts be made to increase the utilization of academic social media platforms such as Orcid and ResearchGate among librarians in southwestern Nigeria.

Scholarly Publishing Practices among LIS Lecturers in Higher Institutions of Learning in Nigeria

“…These barriers often result in scholars facing challenges in disseminating their research findings to a wider audience (Ikolo & Adomi, 2022). However, Adetayo et al (2023) note that scholars are under pressure to produce a high volume of publications, which may prioritize quantity over the quality of research outputs. This pressure can lead to the proliferation of low-impact research and undermine the integrity of scholarly publishing.…”