E-research Support Desk: A New Genre in E-reference Services

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Taha, Ahmed

Affiliations: Research Consultations Desk, The Main Library - United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), PO Box-1441, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates. E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract: The web and the digital devices indisputably have become integral components of the e-library services as they provide smarter and convenient ways of making research information easily accessible and retrievable at a real-time. This survey seeks to shed light over the newly introduced e-research consultations as a new genre of expert library service to support postgraduate studies and research projects. We diagnosed the potential factors responsible for query processing prior to suggesting a model for improving the process of answering research inquiries and consultations. Analysis of the research queries and consultations, received via various routes of communication, revealed that the research desk can conveniently handle a wide range of information needs, such as encompassing short-answer factual information and guidance about search strategy, and offering in-depth research consultations and expert assistance in tracking down hard-to-find information. It can formulate advanced search strategies, providing guidance in using specific library e-resources and e-services, and assisting in thesis writing. The study argues that as the research devoted library moved its user centred research reference services into web-based, the research librarian should have to adjust to the new e-research paradigm and should excel in answering the needs of research students and faculty.

Keywords: E-research, Research consultations, Research users, Digital academic library, UAE

DOI: 10.3233/WDL-120105

Journal: World Digital Libraries - An international journal, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 101-114, 2013