Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2002

College/Unit

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program/Center

Social Work

Abstract

Technology has created important new possibilities to expand and enrich the scholar's work situation. The Internet, on-line databases, collaborative technologies including Listserv/discussion groups and teleconferencing have made it possible for nonprofit scholars to collaborate in innovative new ways and produce their work at unprecedented rates. Electronic technology is one of the significant forces underpinning the growth on nonprofit scholarship. A number of institutions have made great strides in providing a rich research environment for nonprofit scholars. Efforts to create on-line communities have been fruitful and rewarding. Nonprofit researchers can develop relationships and share ideas with others anywhere in the world. The development of significant on-line nonprofit materials has freed scholars from the necessity to physically visit inaccessible libraries and archives. These developments will experience additional significant improvements with such innovations as XML-based document sharing systems (Lohmann, 2001). Now is the time to take the next steps. Ubiquitous Technology – available everywhere and relatively transparent or invisible – within the knowledge management framework proposed by Lohmann (2001) can create entirely new and ongoing nonprofit research conversations. Wireless technology and various types of smart resources can build on the progress already made and help create a scholarly community within virtual space (Dertouzos, 1997; 2001). This paper examines the role of ubiquitous technology in the ongoing world of nonprofit research and theory building, the current supports for scholarship and proposed new possibilities. The technological, organizational and social impacts of this transition are also examined.

Source Citation

Presented at the Annual Meeting, Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and voluntary Action. Montreal Canada. November, 2002 (with John McNutt)

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