Keywords

bibliometrics, research impact, professional competencies

Description

The growing reliance of institutions, governments, funding bodies and world rankings schemes on quantitative indicators of research performance has increased demand from researchers and research administrators for advice, services and tools to measure and understand the impact of research activities. The pitfalls and potential perverse outcomes of the metrification of research management are well documented and a growing concern across the library and university sectors. This paper will explore how UNSW Library is equipping library staff to respond to the growing demand for advice and services in this area. A staff capacity building program, the Bibliometric Capability Framework, has been initiated to achieve this aim. The framework has been adapted from a UK model to meet the specific needs of the Australian context. This program has been established to support library staff in an ongoing process of self-reflection and learning, and to provide skill development opportunities to build a future-ready workforce. A key challenge of the project is delivering training across units with varying levels of familiarity with bibliometrics, ranging from daily immersion to novice. The delivery of the program will employ a scaffolded learning approach, combining self-reflection surveys, hands-on workshops, and peer led learning to support deep engagement with new knowledge. The training program will take the form of ‘10 Research Impact Things’, a module-based learning experience with a range of levels of engagement. A broader goal of this project is to establish the Library as a domain expert in responsible metrics use across UNSW and to empower the Library Leadership Team to advocate at an institutional, national and international level for best practice in publishing and assessment of research.

Share

COinS
 

Building a Future-Ready Workforce - Embedding Bibliometric Capabilities at UNSW Library

The growing reliance of institutions, governments, funding bodies and world rankings schemes on quantitative indicators of research performance has increased demand from researchers and research administrators for advice, services and tools to measure and understand the impact of research activities. The pitfalls and potential perverse outcomes of the metrification of research management are well documented and a growing concern across the library and university sectors. This paper will explore how UNSW Library is equipping library staff to respond to the growing demand for advice and services in this area. A staff capacity building program, the Bibliometric Capability Framework, has been initiated to achieve this aim. The framework has been adapted from a UK model to meet the specific needs of the Australian context. This program has been established to support library staff in an ongoing process of self-reflection and learning, and to provide skill development opportunities to build a future-ready workforce. A key challenge of the project is delivering training across units with varying levels of familiarity with bibliometrics, ranging from daily immersion to novice. The delivery of the program will employ a scaffolded learning approach, combining self-reflection surveys, hands-on workshops, and peer led learning to support deep engagement with new knowledge. The training program will take the form of ‘10 Research Impact Things’, a module-based learning experience with a range of levels of engagement. A broader goal of this project is to establish the Library as a domain expert in responsible metrics use across UNSW and to empower the Library Leadership Team to advocate at an institutional, national and international level for best practice in publishing and assessment of research.