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Abstract
This paper describes findings of a research project conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Library System to uncover processes used by early career researchers in the life sciences and engineering to locate information during the discovery phase and the role that social media and library-subscribed A&I databases play.
Acknowledgments
This research was conducted as part of ARL Impact Project.
Notes
1 In November 2021, Pitt’s University Library System fielded an Ithaka S + R Faculty Survey. It yielded the response rate of 17%, with slightly over 900 respondents.
To a question “When you explore the scholarly literature to find new journal articles and monographs relevant to your research interests, how do you most often begin your process?”, 80% of early career engineering faculty pointed either to Google Scholar or a general search engine (vs. 13% beginning their searcher in specialized databases and 8% in a library website or catalog), 54% of faculty in science disciplines begin their searches in Google Scholar or a general search engine (vs. 31% in specialized databases and 13% in a library catalog or website).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Judith Brink
Judith Brink is the Head of the George M. Bevier Engineering Library.
Fern Brody
Fern Brody is the Associate University Librarian for Collections and Technical Services.
Anne Koenig
Anne Koenig is a Library Senior Specialist.
Berenika Maria Webster
Berenika M. Webster is the Director of Assessment and Quality Assurance.