Health Sciences Libraries Forecasting Information Service Trends for Researchers: Models Applicable to All Academic Libraries

Abstract

To better understand the value of current information services and to forecast the evolving information and data management needs of researchers, a study was conducted at two research-intensive universities. The methodology and planning framework applied by health science librarians at Emory University and The Ohio State University focused on identifying the need for new or retooled information services supporting health and biomedical researchers and their increasing use of digital resources. The lessons learned and outcomes described herein are informing the development and implementation of new information service models and can help forecast changing user needs across the broader library community.he unprecedented increase of information resources, methodologies, and products of modern academic research has prompted the library community to explore and create a growing array of offerings to support optimal information management. Parallel to these developments, academic units such as information technology, academic computing, and a wide variety of informatics and research departments have been delivering related and at times overlapping services. This complex and fragmented service environment can be challenging, making it difficult for researchers to realize all the benefits of what is being offered. It can also create a formidable barrier between service receivers and providers. These developments have been prompting academic research libraries to reassess their information and data management services and solutions. While librarians have a general awareness of researcher needs, the work of the profession has focused on the more traditional

Needs assessment for improving library support for dentistry researchers

“…Assistance with open access publication generated comparatively low interest among participants, which aligned with findings by Cain et al [15]. While the majority of survey participants indicated that they were familiar with open access publishing models, only 20% regularly used these models to publish their own research (Figure 1).…”

“…Similar to studies by Hollister and Schroeder [9] and Cain et al [15], library support for funding and grant applications was ranked as very valuable by participants. From a list of 11 potential research services that the library could provide during the funding/grant application process, those ranked by participants as the most beneficial for their research were assistance in the form of a mentorship program with successful grant seekers, provision of general funder policy guidelines, and training on grant and funding databases.…”

“…Some researchers question librarians’ qualifications and competencies, which may lead them to undervalue or fail to fully take advantage of library support services [11–14]. Improved communication [10, 15, 16] and targeted marketing and outreach efforts [1–3, 5] are vital to creating successful research support services in academic libraries. However, it is equally important for librarians to develop a better understanding of researcher needs and perspectives [1–3].…”

The Role of Academic Libraries in Scholarly Communication. A Meta-Analysis of Research

“…Even though it was diffi cult to reveal undeniable changes in librarians' practices they defi ned themselves as more critically refl ective thinkers and felt more comfortable with research support tasks. Another noteworthy study was conducted at Emory University and Ohio State University (Cain, Cheek, Kupsco, Hartel, & Getselman, 2016). The authors identifi ed very concrete needs of academics, and they modifi ed the services offered by the library to fi t them.…”

Collaborating to Increase the Evidence Base in Library and Information Practice

“…We need to collaborate from the start to plan research that is applicable to multiple libraries, such as a recent study looking at the evolving needs of researchers in information and data management (Cain, Cheek, Kupsco, Hartel, & Getselman, 2016). The authors hope to develop new information service models that can be used by others, based on surveys conducted at two research-intensive universities.…”