Abstract
Academic libraries are increasingly positioning themselves as strategic partners within their institutions, moving beyond traditional support roles to actively advancing institutional priorities, particularly in global university rankings like QS and Times Higher Education (THE). These rankings significantly influence how universities are perceived and funded, and they rely heavily on the use of bibliometric data, research outputs, and institutional reputation.
This paper, presented by SIGMaRI, examines the evolving role of libraries in the rankings landscape. We will highlight impactful library-led initiatives and partnerships with other strategic university departments that advance the university's reputation and shape institutional research strategies. While libraries share common goals in supporting university rankings, they employ diverse approaches tailored to their unique institutional contexts. These differences, shaped by priorities, resource availability, and overarching strategic aims, will be explored in depth to highlight the diverse approaches taken by libraries. Case studies and practical examples will be used to illustrate these varied approaches and to showcase the diversity of library contributions across institutions.
With expertise in research metrics, metadata, and scholarly communication, librarians are well-positioned to support universities in navigating ranking methodologies, informing institutional strategy, and identifying key areas of research excellence and potential growth. We will also explore how libraries enhance research visibility and impact, which are key components of institutional rankings, through the promotion of open access, guidance on reputable publishing venues, and assistance with maintaining accurate researcher profiles.
With efforts such as these, libraries contribute meaningfully to institutional research strategy and help position the university more favorably within global ranking systems.
Keywords
University ranking, libraries, research metrics, impact
Date of this Version
11-2025
Recommended Citation
Tatiana Usova, Fiona Glasgow, and Lisa Chisholm,
"From Information to Impact: The Strategic Role of Libraries in University Ranking."
Proceedings of the IATUL Conferences.
Paper 2.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/iatul/2025/breakout/2
Included in
From Information to Impact: The Strategic Role of Libraries in University Ranking
Academic libraries are increasingly positioning themselves as strategic partners within their institutions, moving beyond traditional support roles to actively advancing institutional priorities, particularly in global university rankings like QS and Times Higher Education (THE). These rankings significantly influence how universities are perceived and funded, and they rely heavily on the use of bibliometric data, research outputs, and institutional reputation.
This paper, presented by SIGMaRI, examines the evolving role of libraries in the rankings landscape. We will highlight impactful library-led initiatives and partnerships with other strategic university departments that advance the university's reputation and shape institutional research strategies. While libraries share common goals in supporting university rankings, they employ diverse approaches tailored to their unique institutional contexts. These differences, shaped by priorities, resource availability, and overarching strategic aims, will be explored in depth to highlight the diverse approaches taken by libraries. Case studies and practical examples will be used to illustrate these varied approaches and to showcase the diversity of library contributions across institutions.
With expertise in research metrics, metadata, and scholarly communication, librarians are well-positioned to support universities in navigating ranking methodologies, informing institutional strategy, and identifying key areas of research excellence and potential growth. We will also explore how libraries enhance research visibility and impact, which are key components of institutional rankings, through the promotion of open access, guidance on reputable publishing venues, and assistance with maintaining accurate researcher profiles.
With efforts such as these, libraries contribute meaningfully to institutional research strategy and help position the university more favorably within global ranking systems.