This study looks at the use of scientific blogs as a scholarly communications vehicle. Blogs have been somewhat controversial in the scientific world given their lack of peer review, and the views of some that they contribute to the unattributed use of other's ideas. But the demands of open science and the need for greater transparency, as well as the digital habits of the youngest generation of scientists, have pushed in another direction.

This study helps its readers to answer questions such as: how many and which scientists actively blog? Which blogs do they commonly use? How much time do they spend blogging? How comfortable are scientists with the idea of blogging? From whom do faculty seek assistance when developing, contributing to or using scientific blogs? Faculty peers? The research office? The academic library? Department chair?