The Value of Libraries for Research and Researchers
London: Research Libraries UK (RLUK);Research Information Network (RIN) (2011), 64 pp.
"This report presents the findings of a systematic study of the value of the services that libraries in the UK provide to researchers, and of the contributions that libraries from a wide range of institutions make to institutional research performance. The aim was to identify the key characteristics of library provision to support research in successful UK universities and departments. The approach comprised two main elements: quantitative analysis of statistics – from SCONUL, HESA, and the RAE, along with bibliometric data - to investigate correlations between the characteristics and behaviours of libraries in 67 UK HE institutions, and the research performance of those institutions; and gathering and analysing a large tranche of qualitative information from nine institutions with a range of characteristics." (Executive summary)
1 Introduction, 10
2 The environment for libraries and research, 12
3 A map of the value that libraries provide, 18
4 Good libraries help institutions to recruit and retain top researchers, 22
5 Libraries help researchers win grants and contracts, 26
6 Libraries promote and exploit new technologies and new models of scholarly communications, 30
7 Repositories increase the visability of the institution and raise its research profile, 34
8 Outward-facing libraries contribute to institution-wide initiatives, 38
9 Specialist staff work in partnership with academic departments, 42
10 Connecting with researchers enhances the value of the library’s services, 46
11 Dedicated spaces provide a better work environment for researchers, 50
12 Convenient access to high-quality research content remains a key foundation for good research, 54
13 Libraries are a physical manifestation of the values of the academy and of scholarship, 60
14 Review of evidence, 62
2 The environment for libraries and research, 12
3 A map of the value that libraries provide, 18
4 Good libraries help institutions to recruit and retain top researchers, 22
5 Libraries help researchers win grants and contracts, 26
6 Libraries promote and exploit new technologies and new models of scholarly communications, 30
7 Repositories increase the visability of the institution and raise its research profile, 34
8 Outward-facing libraries contribute to institution-wide initiatives, 38
9 Specialist staff work in partnership with academic departments, 42
10 Connecting with researchers enhances the value of the library’s services, 46
11 Dedicated spaces provide a better work environment for researchers, 50
12 Convenient access to high-quality research content remains a key foundation for good research, 54
13 Libraries are a physical manifestation of the values of the academy and of scholarship, 60
14 Review of evidence, 62
