2019 Charleston Library Conference

Many researchers expect little to no learning curve in discerning how our library can support their workflows and needs. Yet, we repeatedly find that they are unaware of the fullest scope of what we have to offer them in terms of collections, spaces, instruction, technology, events, and expertise. In an effort to learn about researchers’ needs both met and unmet as well as library services valued by researchers, the NC State University Libraries conducted two qualitative studies: (1) a local study as part of the Ithaka S+R project to support civil and environmental engineering scholars, and (2) a project spanning multiple types of researchers and disciplines at NC State University. Librarians conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews to capture deep qualitative data. The first study took a deep dive into a specific engineering discipline with a focus on faculty, while the second adopted a broader approach by including researchers from undergraduate to late career faculty across many disciplines. In this presentation, we will share findings derived from the diversity of researcher needs uncovered in both studies. We will also share recommendations and next steps focusing on how to catalyze integration of library assets into researchers' workflows. Audience members will be invited to discuss practical ways to better expose researchers to library services and assets that span collections, spaces, instruction, technology, events, and expertise.