Creating a Web-Based Collaboration Tool to Support Research Work

This paper explores if a collaboration-based shared knowledge base would be a useful tool for supporting the collaboration of researchers working with the same research theme. The research question is explored with a constructive approach, i.e. a prototype of Web-based collaboration system for sharing knowledge of a certain research areas is created. This paper discusses both the design issues related to implementing such a system, and experiences on the adoption and usage of the system. The results indicate that a Web-based knowledge sharing tool can be valuable for increasing collaboration of an established research group. The useful features included a bio g for small and informal announcements, introducing new researchers with the subject and recommending resources to other researchers. However, several problems were also recognized. These include encouraging and supporting interdisciplinary co-operation, limitations on accessing online databases of scientific publishers, and integration with personal research citation databases.