Bibliometrics and Research Data Management Services: Emerging Trends in Library Support for Research

TLDR

Academic libraries are challenged by evolving network technologies, scholarly communication, and national policy, prompting a need to engage research communities amid economic downturns, while prior surveys on research data support have been limited in scope. An online multiple‑choice questionnaire surveyed 140 libraries in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK about bibliometric and data support activities, including current and planned services, target audiences, constraints, and staff training needs. Librarians are innovating with bibliometrics and research data management services—offering training, citation reports, and impact calculations—yet engagement in data management lags behind bibliometrics; most anticipate future involvement in technology assistance, data deposit, and policy development, with university administrators as key clients, but gaps in knowledge, skills, and confidence remain, underscoring the need for comprehensive professional education.

Abstract

Developments in network technologies, scholarly communication, and national policy are challenging academic libraries to find new ways to engage with research communities in the economic downturn. Librarians are responding with service innovations in areas such as bibliometrics and research data management. Previous surveys have investigated research data support within North America and other research services globally with small samples. An online multiple-choice questionnaire was used to survey bibliometric and data support activities of 140 libraries in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, including current and planned services, target audiences, service constraints, and staff training needs. A majority of respondents offered or planned bibliometrics training, citation reports, and impact calculations but with significant differences between countries. Current levels of engagement in data management were lower than for bibliometrics, but a majority anticipated future involvement, especially in technology assistance, data deposit, and policy development. Initiatives were aimed at multiple constituencies, with university administrators being important clients and partners for bibliometric services. Gaps in knowledge, skills, and confidence were significant constraints, with near-universal support for including bibliometrics and particularly data management in professional education and continuing development programs. The study also found that librarians need a multilayered understanding of the research environment.