Supporting research:

how one new research librarian does it

Monique RitchieResearch LibrarianBrunel University Library

New role, new directions

• Existing post revised, and tailored to fit current needs, shaped by the HE sector agenda and internal changes

Key skill #1(Research) librarians need to be adaptable and flexible to meet rapidly changing needs in an equally changeable environment.

Sink or swim?New area of support that is still evolving and brings many challenges

Key skill #2A research librarian’s role is diverse and you must be able to prioritise the key needs of researchers and those of your institution…

(although there’s only so much you can squeeze in without affecting quality of support)

Key skill #3Diplomacy and tact are essential qualities for liaising with a range of colleagues at all levels.

So, what does a research librarian actually do?• Oversee support for researchers• Advocate for researchers’ needs• Keep up to date with research agenda in the

sector• Liaison (Graduate School, Schools, Research

Institutes, groups and networks)• Support research and teaching needs – designing,

delivering and coordinating training for staff and students

Key skill #4You should have a sense of adventure : you may need to take risks and make challenges

So, what does a research librarian actually do?

• Support and contribute to strategic planning and policy development within the Library and University (Committees, Board of Studies)

• Support Research Publications: Open Access publishing, institutional repository - BURA research information management

Key skill #5Ability to think strategically to anticipate future directions and needs for researchers and the institution, in light of internal or external developments.

So, what does a research librarian actually do?

• Manage budgets and research resources• Develop our Research Commons – a space for

researchers to collaborate, network…• Project work…

Network, collaborate,research events, study

A few more things to keep me busy…

Brunel’s Research Data Management (RDM) Project

Survey into RDM practice to• Discover current data

management practices • Identify needs to comply

with data management policy

• Feed into University policy and infrastructure development to meet future requirements for research data sharing

UKRISS: UK Research Information Shared Service project

• JISC funded project to September 2013 in collaboration with multiple partners

• Feasibility and scoping study for national research information reporting to increase efficiency, productivity and quality in the sector

@ukriss_jisc

Key skill #6Ability to network, not just within your institution, but externally too – these links are vital to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.

A research librarian’s work is never done…

Where to find me

Monique RitchieResearch Librarian and Copyright OfficerBrunel University Library

monique.ritchie@brunel.ac.ukwww.brunel.ac.uk/library@res_librarian