The only constant is change. Evolving the library support model for research at the University of Melbourne
| Pages | 363-372 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-04-2016-0027 |
| Date | 08 August 2016 |
| Published date | 08 August 2016 |
| Author | Donna McRostie |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries,Library strategy,Library promotion |
The only constant is change
Evolving the library support model for
research at the University of Melbourne
Donna McRostie
Research and Collections, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to look at the journey and approach to responding to the needs
of researchers in an academic library.
Design/methodology/approach –Research practice continues to evolve, technology is advancing at
a rapid pace and the volume of research data produce is unprecedented in human history. To add
complexity to the equation legislative requirements are being introduce to make data and research
output available in open ways to be accountable for public funding.
Findings –It is within this context the academic library is well positioned with its foundation as a
keeper and curator of knowledge to support and add value to the research endeavor. While many of the
traditional roles in the library are still relevant it is clear that new skills and capability are required to
be responsive (and proactive) to the needs of institutional researchers. At the University of Melbourne
the authors have has looked closely at what value we can bring to the research endeavor in a
meaningful and sustainable manner. The library has established the Research Information
Management group to consolidate and expand the University Library’s capability and capacity to
deliver cohesive and visible research support services.
Originality/value –Provides an example of an approach to respond to the needs of the academic
community in an environment of data deluge by building new services, skills and capability.
Keywords Data management, Digital scholarship, Informatics, Skills development, Data curation,
Research information management
Paper type Case study
Introduction
Evolution, change and adaptation have become a natural part of academic research
libraries for decades but in more recent times have been characterized by the pace of
that change and the disruptive and transformational technologies that are, in part,
facilitating them. To add complexity an increasingly financially constrained
environment also frames it. This has driven libraries to be more focused and
strategic on investments and rich in innovation ensuring the needs of the research
community and university objectives are met in a sustainable manner.
There is no doubt thatresearch and scholarly communication and practice have been
transformed in the last 20 years. Academic research libraries have traditionally
supported the scholarly research and communication process, largely through collection
and provision of access to published outputs. The technology environment has
undergone constantand rapid change, with the only certainly about the futurebeing that
change is inevitable. The opportunities in digital research and scholarship are coupled
with new challenges for the research community faced with managing a deluge of data
and an array of options for managing, disseminating and sharing their work. Scholars
(Hey et al., 2009) still require and use the expertise provided by libraries to facilitate Library Management
Vol. 37 No. 6/7, 2016
pp. 363-372
©Emerald Group Publis hing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-04-2016-0027
Received 18 April 2016
Revised 7 July 2016
Accepted 16 July 2016
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
The author would like to acknowledge the contributions of Dr Leo Konstantelos, and Ms Teresa Chitty
from the University of Melbourne.
363
Evolving
the library
support model
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