Academic Libraries and Outreach to the Sciences: Taking a Closer Look at Research Groups

Abstract

Finding ways to provide support for researchers is of growing concern in academic libraries. In the sciences, research often takes place in a group context, though few studies report specifically on library services targeted to these groups as a whole. Understanding the characteristics and dynamics of research groups can help inform librarians’ outreach and service efforts. The purpose of this article is to discuss those strategies that have been successful when approaching research groups, as well as identifying initiatives that may be amenable to adaptation for this purpose.

KEYWORDS:

• library outreach
• academic libraries
• research groups