Not what you know, nor who you know, but who you know already: examining online information sharing behaviours in a blogging environment through the lens of social exchange theory [Manuscript accepted for publication in Libri 60] By H azel H all, G unilla W idén, and Lor raine Paterson Abstract This paper focuses on the extent to which online information sharing practice is socially motivated. A key interest is how knowledge of the existing social connections between actors may predict their

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... ormation sharing behaviour when they move into an online environment, and the relative importance of these connections when set against other factors that may motivate online information sharing within a closed group. The examination of online information exchanges between members of a defined community of bloggers reveals that those with established off-line relationships are more likely to interact with one another when they move into an online environment than those who have not enjoyed earlier contact. The findings of the empirical study are evaluated with reference