Changing Information needs of online collaborative researchers:

a challenge for reference librarians

by Omobolade Adeagbo, Martie van Deventer,

Bukky Asubiojo and Heila Pienaar

Obafemi Awolowo University

INTRODUCTION

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

Rapid changes in data generation,infrastructure supporting data generation and phases of research cycle

LEARNING

TEACHING

RESEARCH

CORE VALUES OF A UNIVERSITY

INFORMATION

CHANGES IN THE EXPECTATIONS OF LIBARARY USERS

REVOLUTION

RESEARCH LIFECYLE

(Source: Brown 2013)

COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH

Researchers are enthusiastic in using new technologies Readiness of the researchers to take advantage of online

collaborative Infrastructure Tools Services

For collaborative research, each of the phases in research lifecycle needs to happen online

THE CHALLENGE

Library users are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their search for information

Role of the reference librarian has been changing and evolving as well as just to keep pace with the needs of library users.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

to identify ongoing online collaborative research activities based in Obafemi Awolowo University;

to highlight the information needs of online collaborative researchers in the University;

to suggest activities that the library/reference librarian could implement to support online collaborative research activities in the University.

METHODLOGY

Purposive and snowballing sample techniques were used to identify 8 collaborative research projects

16 researchers, engaged in the research projects, were interviewed for the study.

Interview responses were transcribed and analysed, using Microsoft Excel.

FINDINGS

Technologies used by team members to know deadline for deliverables

EXPECTATIONS OF ONLINE COLLABORATIVE RESEARCHERS FROM LIBRARY

Dissemination of information on resources available in the library

Regular training and workshops on academic research Subscription to online communication tools and journals Documentation of ongoing projects and links to the

projects’ on the library’s website Development of data storage policy for research groups Assistance with information overload and guidance on

predatory publishing

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Information needs of researchers have changed More researchers are expected to be involved in online

collaborative research. Services from the library must be improved to meet these

changed information needs. Reference librarians must acquire the following skills to meet up

with changing information needs academic identity management, scientific writing, communication/collaboration, networking and legal issues.

CONTACT

boladeadeagbo@gmail.com

badeagbo@oauife.edu.ng