The research enterprise

Abstract

PurposeThis column seeks to examine the relationship between the modern digital library and academic research entities; and to explore briefly the services that can be provided by information professionals on behalf of investigative teams.Design/methodology/approach:A literature review was conducted in order to find out what the recent views were relating to this subject. The remainder of the content is based upon the author's experience.FindingsThis is an exploratory column proposing that modern academic libraries need to have embedded services that are a part of the research workflow of the university. This column focuses on the digital aspects of research, what the apparent needs are in that context, and suggests the central role that libraries can play in that context.Originality/valueAs the field of information science evolves and libraries recast their vision so that they can support the core mission of modern universities, research support services are central to that effort. The column shows that there are many ways in which the digitally oriented library can fill in the gaps for investigative teams.