Friday, April 20, 2007

Researchers' use of academic libraries and their services

The Research Information Network has published an interesting study of Researchers' use of academic libraries and their services. The report is free on the RIN website. "This study was designed to provide an up-to-date and forward-looking view of how researchers interact with academic libraries in the UK. Harnessing empirical data and qualitative insights from over 2250 researchers and 300 librarians...(etc.)" The study was undertaken by Key Perspectives Ltd. One of the things the researchers were asked about was what they tthought th elibrarians' top roles would be in 5 years time - "Custodian" came top ;-( "Teach info skills" was 5th out of 13.
Brown, S. and Swan, A. (2007) Researchers' use of academic libraries and their services. Research Information Network. http://www.rin.ac.uk/researchers-use-libraries
Photo by Sheila Webber: inside the new Information Commons (this is looking down on the quiet study area - it also has groupwork rooms etc.) Within a few days (it opened on 10th April) it seems to have totally filled up with students.

2 comments:

borrodell said...

Hi Sheila,

Thanks for mentioning our report, I'm really pleased you found it interesting. Although this is rather short-notice, you're very welcome to come to the free event a week today (Monday 30th) - could be a good place to air your views about the importance of information literacy.

All the best
James

Sheila Webber said...

Hi - unfortunately I can't becaue of teaching, but thanks for mentioning the event which I meant to highlight in my post & then forgot

Sheila