Perception of Research Support Service in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of Select Indian Research Libraries

Abstract

Purpose: Libraries have always played a key role in collecting, managing, curating, and disseminating scholarly information. The same applies when it comes to the support of the researchers in providing various Research Support Services (RSS) in a timely manner. The purpose of this study is to get an overview of the Research Support Service presently provided in Academic Libraries, its importance, its types, and checking for other possible services adoption that might help the researchers more effectively in pursuing their research. This study also tried to highlight the probable range of challenges that hinder the implementation of RSS. Design/methodology/approach: Content analysis of available literature together with website analysis of the top ten research institutions in the NIRF 2023 were scrutinized to see the types of RSS offered, come up with an understanding of the popular RSS provided by these academic libraries and probable areas where more focus may be given for betterment of RSS in future. Findings: The study reveals that a number of RSS have already been offered by these academic Institutes. Keeping the user base in mind these libraries are also offering many specialized services. However, most of them are yet to start introducing research data management (RDM) services that might address the future needs of the researchers and can take them to the next step towards RSS. Originality/value: As per the availability of literature on RSS and examining the official websites of top ten research institutions as per NIRF 2023, data was presented. No previous study was carried out taking samples from these institutions. The study recommends that the libraries should consider introducing RDM services in these libraries together with the professional growth of their personnel, and the development of their infrastructure that will enable them to be prepared for the future demand of the researchers.