Search delegation, synthesists and expertise on social media

摘要: Background. Social media often adds a layer of intermediation between sources and information consumer, with users outsourcing some the work to others. “synthesists” have been identified as group volunteer providers fulfilling this role. Approach. Through review evidence from philosophy, science knowledge management, paper explores implications cognitive outsourcing, presents quality standards for synthesis asks how well synthesists meet these. In process, role intermediary is discussed, along non-specialist status synthesist. Results. Findings show that social fulfil useful their importance in terms translation clear. While may fall far short LIS standards, there are number ways issues can be addressed, including involvement profession itself on same platforms. Contribution. comparison best practice current informal behaviour media, draws attention new opportunities address them. This represents an attempt identify bridge formal emerging, markets.