FromProjecttoCustomizedService:ResearchSupportattheUniversityofGroningenLibrary
“The Future Depends on What You Do Today”: The Library as a Leader in Open Science 25
Paul Ayris, University College London, UK
University College London (UCL) is a strong advocate for Open Science policies and practices, leading initiatives across eight key areas: Future of Scholarly Communication, EOSC, FAIR data, Skills, Research Integrity, Rewards, Altmetrics, and Citizen Science UCL has tailored these themes to align with its academic needs, creating ambitious programs and services that foster a cultural shift towards Open Science Notably, UCL Press, the UK’s first fully open access university press, exemplifies its commitment to transforming scholarly publishing This chapter evaluates UCL's achievements, addresses challenges, highlights benefits, and outlines future plans to establish Open Science as the norm, echoing Mahatma Gandhi's belief that "The future depends on what you do today."
TheFutureDependsonWhatYouDoToday”:TheLibraryasaLeaderinOpenScience
Research Data Management Support at Kaunas University of Technology 52
Ieva Cesevičiūtė, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania
Gintarė Tautkevičienė, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania
Kaunas University of Technology, one of the largest technical universities in the Baltic region, has been actively engaged in Open Access and Open Science initiatives for over a decade The university has implemented various training and awareness-raising events to promote Open Access principles, helping institutions develop compliant policies and repositories Collaborative efforts among the library, research departments, and doctoral schools have driven these initiatives, focusing on revising Open Access guidelines and enhancing data management plans for doctoral studies This chapter aims to provide an overview of the university's journey, highlighting both successes and challenges in achieving best practices for research data management at both institutional and national levels.
ResearchDataManagementSupportatKaunasUniversityofTechnology
Library Research Support Services: The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech Case 72
Miquel Codina-Vila, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain
Ruth Íủigo, Universitat Politốcnica de Catalunya, Spain
Anna Rovira-Fernàndez, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain
Marta Serrat-Brustenga, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain
This chapter explores the library research services at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), a prominent research university specializing in science and technology Unlike traditional libraries, UPC's library and archival services have evolved to cater specifically to the needs of researchers, ensuring they receive personalized support tailored to their current and future requirements The Research Service Charter of UPC libraries highlights various resources designed for UPC researchers, emphasizing their role as both creators of new scientific knowledge and key players in its dissemination.
GapintheWall:AWritingCenter,OfferingComplexResearchSupport
Gap in the Wall: A Writing Center, Offering Complex Research Support 99
Monika Fischer, Library of Corvinus University Budapest, Hungary
Tamás Halm, Library of Corvinus University Budapest, Hungary
Tibor Koltay, Eszterházy Károly University, Hungary
The Writing Center at Corvinus University Budapest is a pioneering service designed to support doctoral students and faculty through a diverse range of offerings Its initiatives include promoting publication efforts, addressing information overload, and enhancing skills in abstract writing and Open Access, catering to both seasoned and early-career researchers This chapter aims to illustrate how the library's learning and research support activities, including curricular and extracurricular courses, training sessions, and consultations, can be seamlessly integrated into the university's overall knowledge framework The authors highlight the importance of both group-based and individual mentoring throughout the academic journey, from student to researcher, while also focusing on the development of transversal skills through the Writing Center's training programs.
ResearchSupportatUniversityofPortoLibraries
Research Support at University of Porto Libraries 121
Augusto Ribeiro, University of Porto, Portugal
Luís Miguel Costa, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Portugal
Palmira Fernandes Seixas, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Portugal
This case study highlights the research support services offered by the University of Porto (U.Porto) libraries, which serve 14 teaching units, each with its own faculty library and various research units Given U.Porto's significant research activity, the libraries continuously adapt to meet the evolving needs of researchers by developing new services Their mission is to ensure access to a wide range of information resources for the academic and scientific community, both in physical and electronic formats The case study details existing research support services, including specialized training in scientific publishing, reference management software, bibliographic database searches, thematic guide creation, support for university scientific journals, and bibliometric studies.
TeachingDigitalCompetenceandScholarlyCommunication:TenYearsMovingResearchersto DigitalScholarshipatPablodeOlavideUniversity
Teaching Digital Competence and Scholarly Communication: Ten Years Moving Researchers to Digital Scholarship at Pablo de Olavide University 142 Ángel M Delgado-Vázquez, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain
The Research Support Services at Universidad Pablo de Olavide's Learning and Research Resource Center aim to enhance research processes and optimize outcomes through comprehensive support They provide bibliographic information, publication and evaluation advice, standardization, digital academic identity assistance, and extensive training in these areas, emphasizing the use of digital media In recent years, the LRRC has focused its training for researchers on digital media integration, collaborating closely with the university's research staff training plan to ensure effective service delivery.
Academic Library Supporting Research: The Case of Universidade Federal do Paraná Law
Paula Carina de Araújo, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil & Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
Karolayne Costa Rodrigues de Lima, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil
This chapter explores the role of research support services provided by the Law Library at Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) in Brazil in achieving university research objectives Utilizing a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive case study approach, it highlights the library's offerings, including research support classes, bibliographic assistance, and guidance on research tools, which currently lack a formal strategic framework The chapter identifies the UFPR Scientific Database as a valuable opportunity for enhancing scientific research data management services within the library Ultimately, it concludes that while existing services positively impact research at UFPR Law School, there remains potential to develop additional services that align with evolving research trends and better meet user expectations.
Becoming Trusted Research Partners Through InfoExpress at The University of Toronto: (Re)
Connecting Researchers to the Library 187
Manda Vrkljan, University of St Michael’s College, The University of Toronto, Canada
Adrienne Findley-Jones, University of Trinity College, The University of Toronto, Canada
This case study highlights the critical role of establishing initial trust between researchers and academic libraries, focusing on the experiences of two small humanities colleges with around 125 faculty members within a larger university setting By offering personalized document delivery services through InfoExpress, these libraries foster trust that opens doors for further support from both the library and the broader university library system While challenges may arise in this relationship, they present opportunities for enhancement that benefit both researchers and libraries When researchers are informed about the library's offerings, building a personal connection can lead to more efficient research time and pave the way for future personalized services Ultimately, this trusted partnership enhances the research experience for both the researcher and the library.
AcademicLibrarySupportingResearch:TheCaseofUniversidadeFederaldoParanáLaw Library
Academic Library Supporting Research: The Case of Universidade Federal do Paraná Law
Paula Carina de Araújo, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil & Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
Karolayne Costa Rodrigues de Lima, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil
This chapter explores the role of research support services offered by the Law Library at Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) in Brazil in achieving the university's research objectives Utilizing a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive case study approach, it highlights the library's services, including research support classes, bibliographic assistance, and guidance on research tools, although these services are not part of a formal strategic program The presence of the UFPR Scientific Database presents an opportunity to enhance scientific research data management support at the library The findings indicate that the current research support services positively influence research at UFPR Law School, while also identifying the potential to develop additional services that align with evolving research trends and user expectations.
BecomingTrustedResearchPartnersThroughInfoExpressatTheUniversityofToronto:(Re) ConnectingResearcherstotheLibrary
Becoming Trusted Research Partners Through InfoExpress at The University of Toronto: (Re)
Connecting Researchers to the Library 187
Manda Vrkljan, University of St Michael’s College, The University of Toronto, Canada
Adrienne Findley-Jones, University of Trinity College, The University of Toronto, Canada
This case study highlights the critical role of establishing initial trust between researchers and academic libraries, focusing on two small humanities colleges serving around 125 faculty members within a larger university The personal document delivery service, InfoExpress, exemplifies how trust built through initial support can lead to enhanced collaboration with the library and the broader university library system While challenges may arise in this relationship, they present opportunities for improvement that ultimately benefit both researchers and libraries By fostering personal connections, researchers can better understand the library's support services, leading to more productive research experiences and paving the way for future personalized assistance This trusted partnership enhances the overall research process for both the researcher and the library.
CasesonResearchSupportServicesinAcademicLibraries:PekingUniversityLibrary
Researcher Unbound and National University of Singapore (NUS) Libraries’ Evolving Role in
Supporting University Research: Going Beyond Service 216
Fang Chiong (Patrick) Pu, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Su Yian Kho, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Ke Khoon Low, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Amy Chou, National University of Singapore, Singapore
The National University of Singapore (NUS) Libraries serves as a vital hub for interdisciplinary education and research, facilitating collaboration among various faculties and departments This case study details the development of the Research Skills Framework (RSF), which underpins all information literacy programs (ILPs), including the flagship Researcher Unbound (RU) program and RU Symposium It highlights the challenges encountered and outlines future enhancement plans Through continuous exploration and design, NUS Libraries aims to deliver relevant research support and improve the digital information literacy skills of the NUS community The program remains a dynamic initiative, shaped by participant feedback and insights gathered from seven semesters and a total of 172 workshop sessions.
Cases on Research Support Services in Academic Libraries: Peking University Library 247
Yong Tang, Peking University, China
Chunhong Zhang, Peking University, China
In 2019, Peking University Library underwent organizational restructuring, establishing the Collaborative Service Center (CCS) as the primary provider of research support services, closely integrated with the talent training system and comprehensive reform processes CCS has implemented a range of innovative research support services through its two teams This chapter explores the current landscape of research support services in China, detailing the Library's practices and introducing a new framework encompassing four key aspects: service object, service provider, service content, and service strategy, while also outlining future plans and visions for enhancement in this area.
Oceania
Reinventing Library Research Support Services at Griffith University 267
Belinda Weaver, Griffith University, Australia
Joanna Richardson, Griffith University, Australia
Griffith University offers comprehensive support to researchers, focusing on research grants, ethics and integrity, performance evaluation, and publication processes Their extensive researcher education and development program is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of both researchers and research students Since 2019, Griffith has been committed to fostering a robust research environment.
ReinventingLibraryResearchSupportServicesatGriffithUniversity
Cases on Research Support Services in Academic Libraries: Peking University Library 247
Yong Tang, Peking University, China
Chunhong Zhang, Peking University, China
In 2019, Peking University Library underwent organizational restructuring, establishing the Collaborative Service Center (CCS) as the main provider of research support services, closely aligned with the talent training system and comprehensive reforms CCS has implemented a range of innovative research support services through its two teams, enhancing the overall effectiveness of these offerings This chapter examines the current status of research support services in China and highlights the Library's practices in this area It presents a new framework for research support services, focusing on four key aspects: service object, service provider, service content, and service strategy, while also outlining future plans and visions for further advancements.
BeyondtheCrossroads:TransformingResearchSupportServicesatTeHerengaWakaLibrary
Reinventing Library Research Support Services at Griffith University 267
Belinda Weaver, Griffith University, Australia
Joanna Richardson, Griffith University, Australia
Griffith University offers comprehensive support to researchers, focusing on research grants, ethics, integrity, performance, and publications Their extensive researcher education and development program aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of researchers and research students Since 2019, Griffith has been committed to advancing research excellence through these initiatives.
The University Library has introduced innovative services aimed at enhancing data-driven research and supporting researchers throughout the research lifecycle This chapter outlines the staffing structure and foundational concepts of a new service catalogue focused on essential areas such as data management, open scholarship, and data wrangling Key initiatives include creating a collaborative knowledge base, launching new workshops, mapping research environments and referral pathways, and providing tailored support for researchers lacking established tools for their specific research needs A primary objective is to position the library as an essential and valued partner in research projects, driving significant changes in service delivery.
Beyond the Crossroads: Transforming Research Support Services at Te Herenga Waka Library 290
Trish Wilson, Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
Aubrey Kirkpatrick, Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
Katy Miller, Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
Marcus R Harvey from Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington emphasizes the university's strategic goal of fostering a culture of ambitious research for transformative impact Recent library restructuring and investment in research support teams have led to a comprehensive understanding of the university's research output and strategies to enhance its visibility By establishing new collaborations and clearly defined research initiatives, the library has showcased its diverse value through innovative services and tools that benefit schools, academics, and postgraduates These advancements aim to benchmark university performance, develop customized services, enhance research profiles, and promote collaboration However, challenges remain, such as formulating a university policy to support open access (OA) research and creating a new OA research repository to improve the promotion and accessibility of university research The library is actively working to reshape perceptions of its services and collaborates to strengthen both individual and institutional research reputations.
Academic libraries have historically balanced their roles in supporting teaching and research, but this balance has evolved, particularly since the 1990s with the rise of information and communication technologies The shift from print to electronic resources has expanded the need for information skills training, helping students navigate a complex hybrid library environment However, this transition has led many researchers, especially in the sciences and engineering, to overlook the library's contributions, as they increasingly rely on online services and fail to recognize the librarians' role in facilitating access to journal literature Consequently, the success of the information literacy movement has fostered a perception that libraries primarily focus on supporting teaching and learning.
A decade later, significant shifts in social, technological, economic, and political landscapes have transformed scholarly communications and scientific research Key developments include advancements in e-science, the rise of digital humanities, and an emphasis on interdisciplinary research to tackle global challenges The increasing use of social media in academia and the emergence of alternative impact assessment methods (altmetrics) have further influenced this evolution Most notably, the movement towards open access and open processes in research has provided libraries with opportunities to redefine their roles within the scholarly knowledge cycle As research funding bodies mandate openness, libraries and librarians have regained central importance in scholarly activities, making researchers increasingly reliant on library support and expertise.
The traditional role of libraries has evolved significantly, transitioning from virtual invisibility to high-visibility services such as digital scholarship centers and visualization studios, where researchers can access cutting-edge technologies and expert advice With the rise of digital open social scholarship, libraries have expanded their functions beyond mere repository management to include scholarly publishing, policy formulation, systems integration, and software development They are increasingly taking on responsibilities traditionally held by commercial publishers and research offices, positioning themselves as essential partners in scholarly communication Additionally, libraries are now tasked with advising researchers on data management plans (DMPs), further solidifying their role in the academic landscape.
Academic libraries are increasingly focusing on supporting student research and publishing, driven by the rise of inquiry-based learning and the recognition of undergraduate research as a vital educational practice Librarians are evolving into multifaceted roles as educators, consultants, curators, and evaluators, positioning themselves as essential contributors in the modern research landscape This transformation is reflected in the growing body of library literature, including surveys, case studies, and edited collections on topics such as data curation, digital scholarship, and scholarly publishing The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has published relevant resources, and professional journals like Library Trends and Program have dedicated issues to these subjects, highlighting that research support has become a cornerstone service for academic libraries.
This book enhances existing literature by showcasing the current state of research support across various academic libraries globally, featuring contributions from 12 countries on four continents It highlights leading practices from both large research universities and smaller institutions, emphasizing the need for tailored services to local contexts The diverse range of institutions demonstrates that effective library support for research is not solely determined by size Common themes emerge despite resource disparities, including the essential role of librarians in educating researchers about new policies and technologies, the necessity of developing customized support in unique situations, and the importance of building strong relationships with researchers and stakeholders to foster collaboration and trust in new service models.
Sheila Corrall has had a distinguished career in library and information management, transitioning from public and national libraries to higher education, where she directed library services at three UK universities In 2004, she became a Professor at the University of Sheffield, leading the Information School and chairing the Information Literacy Network In 2012, she joined the University of Pittsburgh as chair of the Library and Information Science program, contributing to the development of Digital Scholarship Services through innovative research partnerships Sheila has held positions on various national and international committees and has received numerous accolades, including the 2003 International Information Industries Lifetime Achievement Award Her professional mission focuses on enhancing information literacy, scholarly communication, and public understanding of library work Since her retirement in 2019, she has dedicated her time to research, writing, and enjoying outdoor activities in the Malvern Hills and North Wales.
Nearly ten years ago, we initiated our exploration of research support services within academic libraries, which were then in their infancy and starting to distinguish themselves from other library offerings Since that time, significant advancements have been made both theoretically and practically; however, there remains considerable progress to achieve in this area.
Our research revealed that libraries' initiatives are often underrepresented in scientific literature A review of their websites indicates that the presentation of these services does not accurately reflect their true nature, nor does it align with the perceptions held by the librarians providing them.
Research support services encompass a wide range of activities aimed at facilitating scientific communication Each university's research strategies and libraries are distinct, resulting in unique and tailored research support services that cater to their specific needs.
Research support services vary significantly among libraries, shaped by each institution's alignment with its university's research strategy and the socio-economic and scientific policies of their respective countries This book addresses the existing literature gap by offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of research support services from the libraries' perspective, focusing on their know-how, philosophy, organizational models, and resources across different nations Utilizing a case study format allows for a practical examination of this diversity while maintaining the importance of theoretical insights The scattered information found on academic library websites underscores the necessity for improved conceptualization and clarity regarding these services.
Research support services encompass a diverse range of offerings tailored to various stages of scientific communication Their plural form reflects the evolution of these services, which have developed over time to address the distinct needs of researchers The categorization and collective naming of these services emerged subsequently, under a unified umbrella term.
Academic libraries curate unique service catalogs tailored to their specific vision, unlike other library services that follow a more standardized approach Additionally, two other distinct characteristics set academic libraries apart.
1 A service can be part of this umbrella designation or be managed independently.
2 Some of the services involve other university services, thus creating a double affiliation. xviii