Elsevier recently released “Research Futures 2.0,” the result of a deep exploration of today’s research ecosystem, where transformative changes have been accelerated by COVID-19. The report was built on two waves of surveys and three scenarios that capture insights from more than 2,000 researchers from a range of disciplines and geographies.
In light of the major transitions identified in the report, what librarians need to know to support their research colleagues (and their own research!)? Here are five key trends to be aware of, and act on, now and going forward.
In light of the major transitions identified in the report, what librarians need to know to support their research colleagues (and their own research!)? Here are five key trends to be aware of, and act on, now and going forward.
1. Preprints, open science take center stage.
Given the frenetic pace of pandemic-related research, it’s not surprising that the value of preprints increased significantly in the past year; more than 2/3 of survey respondents now consider preprints a valued source of communication. Among the benefits cited are: earlier and easier accessibility to research and more timely, up-to-date communication of information.
Preprints are closely tied to open science. Fifty-four percent of respondents said they planned to publish open access articles—five percentage points higher than in 2019 (first report). Reasons cited for the increase in open science: increased outlets for sharing data, more productivity, and data sharing encouraged (and, at times, required) by more institutions and funding sources.
What does this mean for librarians? In an article on best-practice tips that librarians can share with researchers, Jay Bhatt, Librarian for Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, says librarians and universities need to increase their awareness of preprints because they can boost partnership opportunities and interdisciplinary areas of research. Thus, preprints also are helping to fuel the next key trend that emerged from the new report: collaboration.
2. Collaboration Mushrooms
Sixty-three percent of survey respondents said they are collaborating more on their research than previously, with the biggest rise in computer science. Respondents noted that international collaboration is now easier and increasingly prevalent, whereas multi-disciplinary research and expertise are necessities, if not prerequisites, for new projects. Like data sharing, collaboration is increasingly valued and, in some cases, required by funders.
Collaboration is also helping to foster an emerging emphasis on societal impact. Fifty-four percent of respondents anticipate a greater emphasis on this aspect of research going forward, with the expectation higher among women (62%) than men (52%).
In a Library Connect article, Multiprofessional Education and Library Services Manager, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals, NHS Trust, UK, Potenza Atiogbe shares tips on ways to support researcher networking and training to boost and improve collaboration.