Short answer
Designers and institutions should consider how library spaces and services can be re-envisioned to actively support digital research workflows and data curation.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- ACRL (2016)
- Method
- Literature Review and Trend Analysis
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Academic libraries are evolving beyond traditional repositories to become central facilitators of digital scholarship and research data management. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2016 study published in ACRL. Using Literature review and trend analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers and institutions should consider how library spaces and services can be re-envisioned to actively support digital research workflows and data curation.
Academic Libraries as Hubs for Digital Scholarship and Research Data Services
Academic libraries are evolving beyond traditional repositories to become central facilitators of digital scholarship and research data management.
ACRL · 2016
Key Findings
- 01Growing importance of research data services.
- 02Increased engagement with digital scholarship initiatives.
- 03Emergence of new staff roles to support these areas.
- 04Focus on evidence of learning and information literacy frameworks.
- 05Consideration of open educational resources.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers and institutions should consider how library spaces and services can be re-envisioned to actively support digital research workflows and data curation.
How to apply
When designing new library facilities or digital platforms, incorporate features that facilitate data management, digital creation, and scholarly communication.
Project actions
- 01Consider how your design project can support digital workflows.
- 02Think about the user's need for data management and digital creation tools.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive overview of key trends.
- +Identifies critical areas for library development.
Limitations
The trends are a snapshot from 2016 and may not fully reflect current library practices.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of this study relies on the thoroughness of the literature review and the consensus among the committee members. Validity is supported by its focus on established trends within the academic library community.
Think critically
How might the increasing reliance on digital scholarship and data services impact the physical design of academic libraries and the skills required of library staff?
Design Principles
"Proactive service evolution in response to research methodology shifts."
This shift signifies a strategic pivot for libraries, requiring new infrastructure, skill sets, and service models. Understanding these evolving roles is crucial for institutions aiming to support cutting-edge research and scholarly communication.
What This Means for Your Design
Libraries are changing from just holding books to helping researchers with digital tools and data.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the evolving role of information environments in research.
- 2.Use it to justify the need for innovative design solutions in academic settings.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The evolution of academic libraries, as highlighted by trends in digital scholarship and research data services (Bivens-Tatum et al., 2016), indicates a move towards more active support of research workflows. This necessitates design considerations that facilitate data management, digital creation, and scholarly communication within these institutions.
Source
ACRL
2016 top trends in academic libraries A review of the trends and issues affecting academic libraries in higher education
journal · 2016
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about academic libraries as hubs for digital scholarship and research data services?
- Designers and institutions should consider how library spaces and services can be re-envisioned to actively support digital research workflows and data curation. Evidence: ACRL (2016).
- Why does "Academic Libraries as Hubs for Digital Scholarship and Research Data Services" matter for design?
- This shift signifies a strategic pivot for libraries, requiring new infrastructure, skill sets, and service models. Understanding these evolving roles is crucial for institutions aiming to support cutting-edge research and scholarly communication.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers and institutions should consider how library spaces and services can be re-envisioned to actively support digital research workflows and data curation.
- What were the main findings?
- Growing importance of research data services.. Increased engagement with digital scholarship initiatives.. Emergence of new staff roles to support these areas.. Focus on evidence of learning and information literacy frameworks.
- What research method was used?
- Literature Review and Trend Analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2016 journal from ACRL.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing new library facilities or digital platforms, incorporate features that facilitate data management, digital creation, and scholarly communication.
- What are the limitations?
- The trends identified are specific to the 2016 context and may have evolved since.