A framework for understanding information sharing: an exploration of the information sharing experiences of female academics in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction. Information sharing has recently become an area of interest within the information behaviour literature. Yet, limited published empirical research can be found. This paper reports results concerning the information sharing behaviour of a group of female academics in Saudi Arabia. Method. The data for this paper were collected via semi-structured interviews, informed by the critical incident technique, and diaries between May-September, 2013 to gather data from 24 female academics. Eight of whom kept a diary for a two-week period. Analysis. Thematic data analysis was undertaken to analyse different aspects of information sharing, motivation and strategies for sharing information. Results. Information sharing was an embedded aspect of the participants' information behaviour and exhibited in both the work and everyday life context. A tendency for retaining and withholding information was also identified. The analysis allowed different types of information sharing to be distinguished and helped to explain why and how the participants shared information in relation to a range of situations that related to their daily life. Conclusions. The study indicated the complexity of information sharing and identified why people shared or withheld information; the information sharing process; the situations where information was shared and the nature of their information sharing and adds to our understanding of information sharing. Nevertheless, further distinctions are likely to be identified in the course of further analysis and placed in the broader context of information behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]