Research Support Services in Academic Libraries

Abstract

Present study explores the research support provision in India's Higher Educational Institution (HEI) libraries. Library websites of the top 25 ranked HEI’s in the research domain of NIRF-2021, were investigated to know the status, provision, strength and weakness of research support services in academic libraries. Research-related visibility, resources, services, and outreach activities found on library websites were investigated to know the provision of research support services. Findings of the study reveal that HEI libraries are substantially well placed in Institutional repositories, edatabase of Theses & dissertations, and faculty research profiles. However, comparatively poor visibility of research support tools and services on library websites is a concern. Promotional and outreach activities of HEI libraries are limited to the Remote Access platform and Training/ orientation of subscribed tools and services. Uses of social media platforms are found to be very low by the HEI libraries.