Changing of library services under e‐research environment
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470910947683 |
| Published date | 10 April 2009 |
| Date | 10 April 2009 |
| Pages | 342-348 |
| Author | Yajie Zhao |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Changing of library services
under e-research environment
Yajie Zhao
Shanghai JiaoTong University Library, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Abstract
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore the way in which e-research is changing the nature
between researchers and libraries, and to suggest how librarians can become more engaged with
professional research under an e-research environment.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes the example of research into ultrasonic motors
to investigate what can be done in current library facilities with regard to collecting and sharing data,
and what should be provided in future libraries to facilitate the research of ultrasonic motors under an
e-research environment.
Findings – Current libraries can facilitate professional research through retrieval of digital resources
such as diverse databases, in which researchers can get information on trends, hot topics, and the main
problems in order to conduct further investigations. To completely realize e-research of professional
researches, it is suggested that more extended services such as infrastructures of remote laboratories
and virtual research environments are needed in future libraries to facilitate the collaboration of
different research groups in different places.
Originality/value – The paper provides methods for professional research into specific topics (such
as ultrasonic motors in the present case) under the e-research environment, with a particular focus on
collaboration in a universal infrastructure for sharing computing power and data storage, as well as
data and research. The result of this study should also be helpful in shaping future libraries.
Keywords Information research, Electronic media,Information services, Internet,Libraries, China
Paper type Case study
Introduction
Libraries have for centuries played an important role in supporting research into all
subjects and disciplines. But over the last couple of decades the research sector
worldwide has been experiencing enor mous changes driven by advances in
information and communications technology (ICT) including the World Wide Web.
Furthermore, research is increasingly characterized by national and international
multi-disciplinary collaboration – due in no small part to the availability of rapid
communication. This new development has also brought about a significant change in
the relationships between researchers and libraries.
Technological developments and online information resources have changed, not
only how research is done, but also who it is done by, as well as the services provided
by libraries. To highlight these changes, we take the research into ultrasonic motors as
an example. The reason for this is that ultrasonic motors offer multi-disciplinary
research possibilities and have multi-field applications. Their research relates
mechanical engineering, material science, and electronics and their applications are
suitable to any aspect where small motors are needed. It will be very hard to conduct
sound research into ultrasonic motors without modern information and
communications technologies.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
EL
27,2
342
Received 21 September 2008
Revised 25 November 2008
Accepted 3 December 2008
The Electronic Library
Vol. 27 No. 2, 2009
pp. 342-348
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470910947683
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