“Dissemination as Cultivation: Scholarly Communications in a Digital Age” - Rhetorical Precis and Presentation

Rhetorical Precis

In their essay “Dissemination as Cultivation: Scholarly Communications in a Digital Age” (2016), O’Sullivan et al. introduce “readers to the underlying principles of scholarly communication and publishing in the digital age. . . [and explain] the relationship between form and content, drawing upon relevant case studies to demonstrate how scholars should consider cultivating the habits and practices of thick collegiality” (384). O’Sullivan et al. support their claim by explaining the role and importance of participatory online spaces, form and content, formats, and providing strategies for social media. The authors’ purpose is to inform readers of opportunities to say things in new ways, to new people, so that new responses and new insights can lead to new knowledge. The authors write in a formal academic tone for other scholars interested in digital humanities.

Presentation

James O’Sullivan et al. begin the essay, “Dissemination as Cultivation: Scholarly Communications in a Digital Age,” by explaining the growth and popularity of participatory online spaces where students and scholars look to engage and research topics within the arts and humanities. The authors explain that their purpose in this essay is to introduce readers to “the underlying principles of scholarly communications and publishing in the digital age, uncovering the affordances and limitations of online public scholarship” (384). To do this, throughout the remainder of the essay, O’Sullivan et al. discuss the relationship of form and content to scholarly habits and practices and introduce various relevant platforms and offer suggestions for social media presence.

First O’Sullivan et al. explain the evolution of electronic communication in the digital age. This evolution has brought about a culture of openness and accessibility; however, there are still scholars who wish for things to remain the same. The authors specify that this openness is not limited the accessibility of publications, but it also includes blogging, twitter, and other online spaces that provides opportunities for communication, interaction, and research that influences scholarship. Next, O’Sullivan et al. explain the role and the importance of form and content within the communication that occurs online. This is particularly true in regard to digital scholarly communications and publishing. The authors also explain how new digital tools allow innovation formats to have a familiar feel. They point out that almost all areas of scholarly communication have transitioned to the digital sphere, and suggest that, perhaps, scholarly publishing has seen the most significant transformation, specifically in regard to journals, monographs, and published conference proceedings. Currently there exists numerous platforms for the creation and sharing of scholarly information. In addition to well-established, well-known publishing options, many scholars are also using blogging, vlogging, and other online platforms to share their work. The has also led to more opportunities for networking and collaboration that previously would not have existed. Lastly, O’Sullivan et al. provide strategies for scholars in developing a social media presence.  Here they emphasize the importance of finding a balance between form and content and provide some suggestions as well as limitations and restrictions.

The essay concludes with a paragraph that reminds readers of the important of awareness of the limitations, opportunities, repercussions, etc. that come along with bringing arts and humanities to the technological world. O’Sullivan et al. point out that technology should always be used to support human endeavors. Additionally, the communication that occurs between reader and writer is not lost and still remains important; however, this interaction has no undergone a transformation and it is the responsibility of scholars to see that the benefits of scholarly communication that have always existed will continue to exist in these modern, digital formats.

Work Cited

O’Sullivan, James, et al. “Dissemination as Cultivation: Scholarly Communications in a Digital Age.” Doing Digital Humanities: Practice, Training, Research, edited by Constance Crompton, Richard J. Lane, and Ray Siemens, Routledge, 2016, 384-397.