Research impact and evaluation services in the library: one piece at a time

Description

Lightning talk presented at the Medical Library Association Annual Conference, Toronto, ON. Presented on 05/09/2016.

Abstract

Objective: Over the past year, our library implemented a cohesive set of services around research evaluation and impact assessment, formally structured in the library as the Metrics and Impact Core (MIC). Many of the services utilize the library's expertise in bibliographic data, which can be mined, analyzed and visualized using a variety of techniques to gain a better understanding research impact. Methods: This study discusses the operationalization of these services from the standpoint of a modern medical library and presents the partnerships, resources and tools needed to make this vision a reality. We discuss the types of reports and activities we have developed to suit the needs of our stakeholders using bibliographic data, and the challenges and successes we have found along the way. Results: We found that we often have repeat customers suggesting new projects or requesting updated numbers. Presentations to departments and new faculty, and our close association with our clinical and translational science institute, NUCATS, have created an overall awareness of our services and a synergy that keeps us moving forward. Conclusions: While still in its infancy and often not broadly available, many libraries are committing resources and staff to support research evaluation and impact assessment work on behalf of their institution. Libraries offer the campus a perfect combination of expertise, perspective, and resources to help support and advise their assessment, evaluation and visualization of research impact across the peer-reviewed literature and beyond.

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