Factors Influencing the Engagement with Academic Social Networking Sites Among Library and Information Sciences (LIS) Scholars in Indian Universities

This study investigates the engagement of Library and Information Science (LIS) scholars in Indian universities with Academic Social Networking Sites (ASNSs). The study employed a cross-sectional survey design using a non-probability, convenience sampling approach with 235 scholars across India, guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study analyses how familiarity, perceived usefulness, trust, usability, institutional support, and perceived barriers influence engagement with Academic Social Networking Sites, supplemented by thematically analyzed open-ended responses. Descriptive statistics revealed high levels of familiarity, usefulness, and motivation, while trust and institutional support were moderate, and barriers such as time constraints and privacy concerns persisted. Correlation and regression analyses confirmed that all positive constructs significantly predicted engagement, whereas barriers had an adverse effect. Group comparisons revealed no significant differences by gender or region but showed higher engagement among scholars from research institutes and central universities than among those from private universities. Qualitative responses emphasized the importance of advanced platform features, integration with institutional repositories, and successful collaborations in co-authorship and mentorship. The findings highlight the significant role of institutional culture and support in influencing ASNS adoption in India. The study contributes empirical evidence to the literature on digital scholarship. It offers practical suggestions for universities, professional associations, and platform developers to enhance the usability, trust, and institutional integration of ASNS.