Scholarship helps expand knowledge in library research support for research analysis and open access publishing

As a recipient of the 2018 International Development Scholarships, Senior Research Librarian Debbie Booth spent two weeks in Europe attending the European Summer School for Scientometrics (ESSS) in Vienna and in the Netherlands visiting Leiden University, Delft University of Technology and Utrecht University.

“The scholarship provided an excellent opportunity to immerse myself in the latest research and current practice in Europe involving bibliometrics and open access publishing. By attending the European Summer School for Scientometrics (ESSS) I was able to interact with the experts in the field as well as having the opportunity for hands‐on application of the theory covered in the lectures.

“Industry representatives from the key data providers were also scheduled to not only attend the Summer School, but also to present and participate in a product round table, providing the opportunity to hear first‐hand about updates and new features and also plans for future product enhancements,” Debbie said.

Debbie’s role at UON’s Library involves supporting researchers and post‐graduate students in the Faculty of Health and Medicine, and the School of Psychology with their research needs which includes advice on effectively searching literature, research data management, strategic publishing and open access, and research impact and analysis.

“The focus of my scholarship activities was to investigate current strategies, emerging research and new developments in the provision of bibliometric, research impact and citation analysis services provided by library support units. This focus aligned with the NEW Futures Strategic Plan 2016‐2025 theme, Driving Global and Regional Impact.” She said.

Debbie was aware of the leadership of the Netherlands Universities in negotiating open access deals with major publishers and took the opportunity to meet library staff involved in supporting researchers about how this translated in the practical sense.

“The decision to visit Leiden University, Delft University of Technology and Utrecht University in particular was based on each of these universities results in various university rankings schemes, as well as perusal of their websites for descriptions of the services they offered, and current research they had published in the area of research support by librarians,” Debbie said.

A key advantage for Debbie was the knowledge gained relating to open access initiatives in Europe to her current involvement in a CAUL Fair Access Working Group.

“I aim to maintain contact with library staff visited particularly staff at TU Delft and Utrecht University, who have implemented novel initiatives and projects that support the research process at their institutions,” she said.

Debbie encourages other UON professional staff to apply for an International Development Scholarship in the future.

“I absolutely encourage staff to apply for this generous and flexible scholarship. The Scholarship allowed me to expand my knowledge in library research support for research analysis and open access publishing,” Debbie said.

About the scholarships:

Launched in 2016 as part of the University’s NeW Futures commitment to increasing global engagement, professional staff scholarships of up to $10,000 support overseas travel for professional development. The experience will also benefit UON by growing our international networks for collaboration. The applications for the 2019 scholarships are open.

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