Research Support Services in STEM Libraries: A Scoping Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/istl2574

Keywords:

Science and technology libraries, consultation services, data management, patents, GIS, bibliometrics, systematic review

Abstract

As science and technology libraries continue to evolve, specialized research support services are developed and offered at academic institutions or research organizations. Making sense of this changing landscape and determining the best programs for an institution can be a daunting task, especially for early-career librarians. This article aims to provide an overview of various small to medium size non-traditional or specialized research support services in academic and special libraries serving Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. A systematic search of five databases was conducted for articles that described the development and implementation of research support services. Non-traditional or specialized research support services identified in this scoping review fall in the following areas: bibliometrics/altmetrics, data management services, geographic information systems, patents, and systematic reviews. The paper provides a detailed foundation for novice and experienced STEM librarians to offer innovative library services or enhance existing research support services.

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Author Biographies

Nedelina Tchangalova, University of Maryland

As a Public Health Librarian, I assist and instruct researchers in the use of information resources (in person, chat, video conferencing, email, or other communication methods). I also teach workshops on information literacy and bibliographic management tools (Zotero, Endnote, etc.). In my library career, I have had a wide array of duties including reference, instruction, circulation, collection development, and web services. I love being able to apply my past experience to projects and collaborations here at University of Maryland and thrive on working with colleagues across the organization.

Jodi Coalter, University of Maryland

As a STEM Librarian, I am a subject liaison for a variety of science departments. I manage resources and tools that help the UMD community with instruction and research in science. I come from an environmental studies and agricultural background, focusing on research data management, citizen science, and science instruction. My graduate work focused in information management, from research design to documentation

Amy Trost, The Universities at Shady Grove

Amy Trost is the Data Services Librarian at the Priddy Library. She also acts as the subject liaison to academic programs in business, engineering, and technology-related disciplines.   Prior to joining USG, Amy was a research librarian at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. She has also held positions at the University of Washington, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the World Resources Institute.   Amy holds a B.S.E in Civil Engineering from Duke University, a Master's in Teaching, also from Duke, and a Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of Washington. 

Amber Pierdinock, Spartanburg Community College

I am a recent graduate of the MLIS program at the University of Maryland, College Park, focusing on academic libraries. I hold a B.A. in Literature from Stockton University with minors in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and Writing. I am currently pursuing a career as an academic librarian with an emphasis on instruction.

I am currently a Research and Teaching Fellow in the University of Maryland Libraries and a Graduate Assistant for the Center for Risk & Reliability at the University of Maryland. As a Research and Teaching Fellow, I regularly teach first-year information literacy instruction sessions, perform weekly reference shifts at the STEM library, and provide individualized research assistance to first-year students. As a Graduate Assistant, I redesigned and maintain multiple websites related to the Center for Risk & Reliability, coordinate Center events, and maintain faculty bibliography lists using ORCID, ResearchGate, and JabRef.

In my personal life, I perform improv comedy with my team, The Ladies of Book Club. We have performed in various improv festivals in Washington, DC and New York City.

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2021-05-07

How to Cite

Tchangalova, N., Coalter, J., Trost, A., & Pierdinock, A. (2021). Research Support Services in STEM Libraries: A Scoping Review. Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship, (97). https://doi.org/10.29173/istl2574

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