Role of Library in Research Support: a Study of Bharathiar University

The pressure for increased research productivity to raise institutional ranking has shifted priorities for Indian universities. The role libraries can play in this scenario is of vital importance. Research Support from libraries needs to be examined along with how researchers are responding to this. The purpose of the study was to understand how aware and satisfied the researchers in AHSS (Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences) were regarding the Research Support provision of an Indian University Library (Anna Arignar Library). The authors surveyed the relationship between researchers and Library Research Support at an Indian university which had a high research ranking in the National Institute Ranking Framework (Bharathiar University). A structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. It was found that although researchers were comparatively satisfied with most of the traditional services and resources, they were unaware of newer, researcher-specific services like bibliometrics and Research Data Management. On the basis of findings, the authors recommended proactive participation of libraries in research process, and publicizing their services. The study helps understand needs of researchers with respect to the library, and how satisfied they are with the status quo