With the strong focus of the University on research and postgraduates, establishing Research Commons in the library has become a necessity. The role out of Research Commons in all UJ libraries is supported by the university. It is in this spirit that the workshop was organised.
Prof Marwala mentioned that the university wants to increase research output by:
- Hosting international conferences
- Introduce research institutes
- Super post-doc fellows
- Increase the number of full time doctoral students
Prof Motala said that the many postgraduates enrol,but that the through-put is slow (this is a national tendency). They want to enhance the postgraduate experience. Researchers mentioned that they to to have a designated space where they can go to - therefore the support for the research commons.
Prof de Jager and Dr Darch (both from UCT) mentioned that before starting the commons, it is important to get input from research on what they want. A research portal can be used for off-site assistance to researchers. Intellectual magazines, newspapers, reference works and books on research methodology should also be placed in this space.
Lucia Schoombee from Stellenbosch University mentioned that the role of the Research Librarian differs from the Faculty Librarian, as the Research Librarian must be able to assist with the research process. The Research Librarian must also be able to assist with support in technology. A high tech environment with up-market furnishing is of the utmost importance.
The speakers offered the following advice:
- Establish a research commons that will address the needs of the research community
- Measure development and impact by giving concrete statistics
- Communicate with researchers
- Involve all possible stakeholders
- Make use of opportunities and make the most of these opportunities.
Blog of sharing information on acquistions, cataloguing, processing and copyright for UJ librarians
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