The Relationship between Scholarly Communication and Science and Technology Studies (STS)

Abstract

Several studies of scholarly communication are based on a socio-technical perspective that has its root in science and technology studies (STS). Despite this close connection, the relationship between scholarly communication and STS is not well understood. Given this gap, this article aims to identify a conceptual link between the two fields, beginning with a review of each field and then examining areas of overlap. Findings reflect the fact that one domain of STS is concerned with the content of scientific knowledge; this is known as the sociology of scientific knowledge (SSK). This domain is closely related to the processes of scholarly communication, including publishing, searching, collaborating, citing, and writing. The other domain of STS, which focuses on institutions, norms, evaluations, and innovations, is known as sociology of science (or institutional sociology of science). This area is related to scholarly communication structures. Studies of bibliometric evaluation, relationships among disciplines, and innovation and productivity are examples of this connection.