Research Support Services in Spanish Academic Libraries: An Analysis of Their Strategic Plans and of an Opinion Survey Administered to Their Directors

Abstract

The transition from print to digital information has transformed the role of academic libraries, which have had to redefine themselves as intermediaries and partners in the learning and research processes. This study analyzes the evolution and current provision of research support services in Spanish academic libraries through an analysis of the three strategic plans published by the Spanish association of academic libraries (REBIUN) and a survey administered to the library directors. Results show that academic libraries are firmly embedded within universities' research activities, and that most of them depend on vice-rectorates for research or scientific policy. There is a relationship between the size of the library and its provision of research support services, although no correlation is observed between the size of the library and the staff devoted to research support. Library directors stress the value of institutional repositories, a vision also reflected in the importance assigned to open access in the strategic plans. Other current hot topics, such as data management, do not seem to be among the priorities of Spanish library directors as yet.

Improving Research Support Services in Indonesian Academic Libraries

“…The limited resources faced by the academic library in providing research support services is an issue that emerged from three of the experts. This is in line with several previous studies stating that limited resources in terms of staff, budget, and equipment are an obstacle faced by academic libraries in research support services (Borrego and Anglada 2018). One study found that Italian scientific institutions and universities lack strong investments in human resources and infrastructures (Rubbia et al 2014).…”

“…In research support services, librarians have a new role as intermediaries and partners in the learning and research processes (Borrego and Anglada 2018). The role of librarians as partners is referred to as subject-based information experts (Sheridan Brown and Swan 2007;Revez 2018).…”

“…One study found that Italian scientific institutions and universities lack strong investments in human resources and infrastructures (Rubbia et al 2014). Other studies identify the knowledge, skills gaps, and a lack of confidence among library staff as the most common constraints in carrying out the role of research support services (Kennan, Corrall, and Afzal 2014;Borrego and Anglada 2018;Raju, Raju, and Johnson 2016). On the other hand, copyright and ownership of data issues, lack of national legislation, and lack of support for mandatory sharing of data are significant barriers to research data services (Raju, Raju, and Johnson, 2016).…”

Autonomous and Sustainable Service Economies: Data-Driven Optimization of Design and Operations through Discovery of Multi-Perspective Parameters

“…Library services support research and learning, promote literacy, and enrich the cultural and intellectual life of the community [91,92]. Library services are diverse and aim to provide quality standards and efficient delivery of information to support learning and research goals [93,94]. This parameter is characterized by various dimensions of library services.…”