Mukesh Saikia

Emerging Role of University Library in Supporting Research Mukesh Saikia

This book deals with all the traditional roles of University libraries but focuses on emerging roles of University libraries in order to better support the research process. Scholarly communication and practices have undergone radical transformations in recent years. Developments such as cloud computing, open access publishing and online social networking are affecting research practices. Researchers are using diverse data and methods, producing new forms of scholarly output, and engaging in innovative new forms of research. As budgets across Universities are shrinking, some in the academy are questioning the continued value of large University libraries. At the same time, many University libraries are providing innovative services to support research. While some would argue that University libraries are playing an increasingly important role in scholarly research, others fear that they are on the brink of extinction and must change radically to survive. It's time to take a fresh look at the roles of University libraries in supporting research. This book presents a thoughtful, useful discourse on effective library services to support research.