2019 Charleston Library Conference

Researchers in higher education compete for scarce funding, face increasing demands from funders, and respond to ever more complex compliance rules. Research offices must support researchers while building and maintaining a robust research infrastructure in a growing, complex technological environment. Academic libraries can increase value for the university by helping to manage data, improving research workflows, advocating for researcher identifiers, showcasing institutional expertise, and measuring impact of faculty research. Librarians must develop effective and positive working relationships with Vice Presidents for Research and their staff. Instead of waiting for invitations to collaborate, the time has come for librarians to proactively communicate with research offices.

A recent survey noted that many researchers spend time in areas where libraries and research offices can provide valuable expertise and administrative support. The survey noted that there is potential for libraries and research offices to collaborate in order to serve researchers thereby increasing research opportunities and funding. This gap provides an opportunity for librarians to lend their expertise to the research lifecycle to alleviate the stress and burdens of their researchers. The establishment of a strong partnership depends on the ability of librarians to be deeply engaged in and contributing to the research infrastructure.

Some members of the Ex Libris Research Management Advisory Council will outline the case for working with research offices in order to meet the critical needs of the research process. Ideas for establishing or strengthening the relationship between libraries and research offices will be presented that will spur attendees into thinking about ways they can further their collaboration. The panelists will encourage active discussion with participants to gain various perspectives and best practices. Participants will gain insights into the foundational relationship with their research offices that is essential for librarians to be successful in contributing to a research infrastructure.