This book focuses on topics which are of importance to the future of all academic libraries: building infrastructures to support research and scholarship for academic library users of all levels. Coverage includes themes which are part of the current dialogue in Australian research institutions, including research and development, data-sets, e-science, grants and grants writing, digital scholarship, data management, library as publisher, metadata, web archiving and the research lifecycle.
Readers can expect to find a detailed and thorough analysis of the myriad of topics in each chapter, enhanced with the inclusion of case studies from a number of American Universities both large and small. Authors of the 10 chapters come from a range of American tertiary institutions, and draw on their specialty areas for the content of each targeted chapters.
The first of these chapters looks at the establishment of a research and development team at Texas Tech University. The authors claim that this unique model may lead to the introduction of innovative and customer centric services not presently provided. Their research team was tasked with identifying new services aligned with the library strategic plan. There is a very detailed analysis of their investigations which is provided in table form. This includes issues related to resistance by existing staff as well as ease of implementation and the universality of the ideas. Some of the areas targeted for improvement include business continuity strategies and 3D technology engagement.
The following chapter looks at re-engineering relationships with faculty and students, focusing on knowledge ecosystems, or ‘cyberinfrastructures’. There is discussion on scholarly communications as well as the ‘digital glossary project’ undertaken at a particular university. The chapter author ponders the question, ‘what does five minutes ahead mean for academia, and in particular, libraries?’ and gives an enlightened answer.
‘Scholarly Services in a Research Lifecycle’ is also examined in this work, with a description of several programmes introduced at American universities to improve the connection between the library and faculty. These measures include an Open Access champion week, video toolkits and workshops focusing on new topics for researchers and graduates.
Several chapters consider the role of data: these include ‘The data driven Academic librarian’ and ‘Web archiving: preserving the future of history’. The web archiving model is an interesting angle which may not have had much focus in Australia. It appears that many American universities have crafted a web archive collection policy, and examples are discussed.
Another notable topic considered is ‘How to Write a Grant (and Get Funded)’, and while Australian readers might skim some of the American-oriented funder information, there are other tasty takeaways. Tips include coverage on collaborating with others, budgeting, the audience and implementation.
The final chapter ‘Revolutionary or Evolutionary’ focuses on the role of academic librarians moving forward. The information is largely focused on data management, and much of it seems a repeat of themes in earlier chapters. However, it serves well as a reminder of the importance being placed on data services and workflows.
This book will prove useful for many – as an example of good practice as well as a more fundamental source of ideas and discussion of universal trends in the academic library world.
Macquarie University
© 2016 Alana Hadfield
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00049670.2016.1250323