Are we with it: research support services at an academic library presented at LIASA Conference, 8 Oct 2013

Are we with-it?View of a librarian

Lucia SchoombeeStellenbosch University Library and

Information Service, 2013

Aim• Stellenbosch University Library and

Information Service’s approach to research support• National perspective• Are the services “with-it”?

What is with-it?

Literature

Recent Reports

Sconul Research Lens

Steve the skateboarder

DirectionNeed a

skateboard Need the right attire

Need technique

& skill

Space to practice

Strategy, structure & policy

• Guided by a Strategic Plan

• Research Support Committee

• Policies for mandatory submission theses & research articles

BasicsCool t-shirt Headphones

Sliding glovesConverse shoes

Basics• Digital repository, SUNScholar rated 2nd in Africa

• Research Commons provides dedicated space for researchers and postgrads

• Distributed service model

Defining features

Hairstyle Beanie

AttitudeLoose shirt

Defining features• Research performance management

• Bibliometrics

• Digital services

• Research workshops

Signature elements

I’m uniqueLook at

my wiggle

PartnersLanguage Centre

Research Office

Postgraduate and International Office

Centre for Teaching and Learning

Information Technology

Community Interaction

Getting Active

Events for researchers

• Library Research Week• Social hour

Exciting terrain

What’s lacking• Research support charter• Optimise service model• Definition • Differentiation of service PhD, masters, supervisors• Data support• Unique author identification

@ RLC libraries

How do we compare?Similar across all the

librariesDistinctive to one / two

libraries• Thesis & dissertation repository • Dedicated senior management

position• Research output repository • Publication of online journals• Dedicated space (Research Commons) • Research data repository• Service provided primarily by

faculty/subject/liaison librarians• Specialised services are provided for

bibliometrics, data support, GIS, scholarly communication

• Information literacy instruction exists for postgraduate and researchers

• Partnerships exist with other research support units on campus

• Research workshops address particular needs of postgraduates and researchers

So, are we with-it?

Let’s get on with it!