Research Output of Academic Librarians From Irish Higher Education Institutions 2000–2015: Findings From a Review, Analysis, and Survey

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this paper is to quantify, review, and analyze published research output of academic librarians from 21 higher education Institutions in Ireland. A mixed approach using an online survey questionnaire, supplemented by content analysis and extensive literature scoping were used for data collection. Factors inhibiting and predicting the likelihood of research publication are identified. Motivations, barriers, and collaboration are examined. Qualitative perspectives from survey respondents are offered. The survey response was 30%. The main findings are presented and contextualized. There is evidence of moderate research growth and publication rates among the Irish LIS community; Open Access pathways are increasingly accepted. The paper has original value with both exploratory and analytical perspectives. This is the first comprehensive national study of this cohort; it adds value and a new perspective to the existing literature on academic librarians' participation in scholarly endeavours and communication.

KEYWORDS:

• Researchers
• open access publishing
• evidence based practice
• library staff development
• scholarly communication

Declaration of interest

One of the authors of this paper is a member of the editorial board of An Leabharlann.

Notes

¹ For the purposes of this article and unless otherwise stated, librarians refer to library staff irrespective of grade or post.

² These consist of 7 Universities and 14 Institutes of Technology.

³ There are two iSchools in Ireland: University College Dublin (UCD) and Queen's University Belfast (QUB).

⁴ Declaration of interest: One of the authors of this paper is a member of the editorial board of An Leabharlann.