Research Support Services in the Central Universities Library of North India: An Analytical Study
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Date
2025-12-08
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Publisher
INFLIBNET Centre Gandhinagar
Abstract
Research and libraries are closely linked. Research is a systematic process, and libraries
serve as a platform, providing all necessary services and tools to assist researchers at various
stages. This study examines the research support services at Libraries of Central Universities
in the North Indian region. It employs a descriptive research design and a purposive sampling
method encompassing all central universities in the North India region. Data were collected
through careful observation of the official library websites of the selected universities. Nine
categories of research support services were identified to serve as evaluation criteria for a 5-
point rating scale. University rankings were established based on the availability of tools
within the identified categories. The research findings indicate that only two universities
scored 8 (eight) marks, reflecting maximum availability of research support services. In
contrast, most 15 universities secured marks between 6 and 7, placing them in a good category,
indicating satisfactory services but highlighting the need for improvement. Other universities
were rated between 5 and 1, signifying a lack of institutional support and awareness of
research activities. Some popular research support services and tools identified include open
access resources, ONOS, and anti-plagiarism tools. Additionally, a few universities utilize
library apps and writing and reference management tools. The results demonstrate an uneven
distribution of essential RSS tools among the libraries of central universities in the North
Indian region. This study emphasizes the need to provide research support services tailored
to scholars’ specific needs, which would lead to improved research outputs
Description
14th International CALIBER 2025, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, November 17-19, 2025
Keywords
Central University Libraries, North India, Reference Assistance, Research Scholars, Research Support Services, Writing Assistance