Collaborative behaviour amongst LIS students - A study of attitudes and practices at Loughborough University

This article reports on a piece of research conducted as part of an undergraduate dissertation, to identify student opinions on collaboration and perceived advantages, disadvantages and barriers to knowledge sharing. Collaborative behaviour is investigated and analysed, including the use of two specific online tools. Research is conducted through an online questionnaire and three focus groups. The research finds a positive attitude towards collaboration, with friendship, community and knowledge sharing being seen as principal benefits. Plagiarism and loss of originality are identified as disadvantages, with time, motivation, trust and confidence being shown to be the most significant barriers to knowledge sharing. The research concludes that there is a strong case for universities to become more involved in the active encouragement and facilitation of collaboration, and that further research would be worthwhile.