No-nonsense Guide to Research Support and Scholarly Communication

The No-nonsense Guide to Research Support and Scholarly Communication provides an introductory guide to the world of research support in the academic library. It outlines the reasons why library staff need to develop a knowledge of research support and guides them through the key information on each topic, including practical checklists of knowledge and skills, international case studies, end-of-chapter references, how-to sections, activities, and links to freely available online training materials.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2020
Publisher: Facet Publishing

This comprehensive and user-friendly book serves as an introductory guide to the realm of research support within academic libraries. In recent years, academic libraries have undergone significant transformations due to the widespread availability of information online, but they are now embarking on another transformative journey. As libraries shift their focus from providing access to existing knowledge to assisting users in generating new knowledge, they have an opportunity to develop innovative services tailored to the research community. To achieve this successfully, academic libraries require a skilled and knowledgeable workforce capable of delivering the necessary support to researchers. Information professionals, in particular, are being called upon to advise users on various aspects of research, such as open access and research data management, often without receiving formal training in these areas.

Recognizing the importance of library staff acquiring knowledge in research support and scholarly communication, The No-nonsense Guide to Research Support and Scholarly Communication offers a valuable primer for individuals aspiring to work in this field or those who have taken on these responsibilities as part of their broader roles. The book's practical nature allows readers to dip into it or read it cover to cover, depending on their specific needs. It includes comprehensive checklists of knowledge and skills, international case studies by practitioners from around the world, end-of-chapter references, how-to sections, activities, and links to freely available online training materials.

The book comprehensively covers various topics relevant to research support and scholarly communication, including:

Scholarly Communication: This section explores the principles and practices of effective scholarly communication, including writing and publishing research papers, presenting at conferences, and engaging in academic discourse.

Open Research: This section delves into the concept of open research, which promotes the open access, sharing, and reuse of research data and materials. It discusses the benefits of open research, the challenges involved, and the strategies for promoting it within academic institutions.

Research Lifecycle: This section provides an overview of the research lifecycle, from conceptualization to dissemination. It covers the stages of research, such as planning, conducting, analyzing, and reporting, and highlights the importance of effective research management and organization.

Research Data Management: This section focuses on managing and preserving research data throughout the research lifecycle. It covers topics such as data collection, storage, processing, analysis, and visualization, as well as the ethical considerations and best practices in data management.

Open Access: This section explores the concept of open access, which provides free and unrestricted access to research publications and data. It discusses the benefits of open access, the barriers to its implementation, and the strategies for promoting it within academic institutions.

Disseminating Research: This section discusses the various channels and platforms for disseminating research, including academic journals, conferences, repositories, and social media. It covers the importance of effective dissemination, the metrics and measures used to evaluate research impact, and the career paths available in research support and scholarly communication.

Metrics and Measuring Impact: This section introduces the concepts of metrics and measuring impact in research. It discusses the Journal Impact Factor.

H-Index, and Altmetrics, which are commonly used to assess the impact and reputation of academic publications. It provides an overview of these metrics, their calculation methods, and their significance in evaluating research output.

Career Paths in Research Support and Scholarly Communication: This section provides insights into the various career paths available in research support and scholarly communication. It discusses the skills and qualifications required for success in this field, the job opportunities available, and the potential for career growth and advancement.

In conclusion, The No-nonsense Guide to Research Support and Scholarly Communication is a valuable resource for academic librarians, information professionals, and researchers seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in research support and scholarly communication. By providing a comprehensive and practical guide, the book equips readers with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate the evolving landscape of academic libraries and contribute to the development of innovative services for the research community.

Weight: 432g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783303946