ELECTRONIC MAIL AS AN ACADEMIC DISCUSSION FORUM

Abstract

This paper describes the use of electronic mail as a medium through which discussion of a range of related topics, as distinct from the exchange of research and other information, can be facilitated. Following a review of the principal features of computer mediated communication, with specific reference to electronic mail, a case study is presented of a discussion which lasted for two months, during which twenty‐two topics were raised by contributors, who were mainly academic staff located in a number of countries. The discussion can be compared to that which might occur verbally at a conference or other meeting, but electronic mail provides a number of features which add to the nature of the discussion. Issues stemming from this use of the medium are also considered.

Citation

BURTON, P.F. (1994), "ELECTRONIC MAIL AS AN ACADEMIC DISCUSSION FORUM", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 50 No. 2, pp. 99-110. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb026926