The future of research and the research library

 

 

"Massive technological changes in the area of research, knowledge production, publishing and communication are influencing the way research is done and the functions of the research library in supporting and facilitating research and learning. Digital technology in its many forms is at the centre of the changes. The old functions of the research library are thus served in new ways. New forms of research emerge and new ways of learning too, and consequently not only new ways of serving old functions but also new functions serving new needs. The demands thus put on the research library system do not always converge – on the contrary. With the new services new players appear, players providing services in different forms and

arenas – as private companies or as new services from old organisations – for instance when universities establish new functions to fulfil their so-called third task of disseminating research to wider audiences."

 

These are the first words in a new report on the challenges facing research libraries these days and scenarios in which they find themselves. The report can be downloaded from DEFF's web-site here.

Author: Mikkel Christoffersen
Date: 01 February 2010