University libraries and research support services: a systematized literature review

Abstract

The article presents a systematized literature review to investigate the research support services offered by university libraries over the years. The survey was conducted in the second quarter of 2023, using the databases Library and Information Science Abstracts, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, Brapci, Web of Science, Scopus, and Dialnet. The survey resulted in 55 case studies or reports of experience in research support services. The majority were services related to research metrics and impact, research data services, and training and education. Some services still fit into traditional models, including lending and collection consultation. Academic publishing services were also frequently mentioned. Special attention was given to the reference to embedded librarians. Research data services had a significant and diverse offering, mainly of a consultative nature with a focus on technical services such as data storage. Additionally, some more robust data services were identified, although they were scarce, such as data computing services. Of the studies related to research data, the majority came from libraries in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand. It is concluded that the offered research support services are linked to changes in the way science is conducted, especially in the emerging field of data-intensive science. There was a trend of growth in studies, with a slight increase between 2019 and 2023, indicating that the theme of research support services is emerging in university libraries.

Keywords:
academic libraries; research support services; research