In the Service of University Libraries

Our research examined the degree to which behaviours and learning as­sociated with creativity and innovation were supported in five academic library spaces and three other spaces at a mid-sized university. Based on survey data from 226 students, we apply a number of statistical techniques to measure student perceptions of the types of learning and behaviour associated with the selected spaces. We found that the on-campus makerspace located outside the library encouraged the most innovative behaviours and exploration of new ideas. Within the library, collaboration rooms were the best spaces for encouraging creativity. There is an oppor­tunity for the academic library to be reconceptualised as a place to foster creativity and innovation in students. We believe that academic libraries should continue to offer a variety of spaces for students, including quiet spaces for reflection, noisy spaces for collaboration and networking, and makerspaces for experimentation.

 http://crl.acrl.org/content/78/1/35.full.pdf+html

The Research Data Alliance builds the social and technical bridges that enable open sharing of data, and its guiding principles include harmonisation and consensus for data standards, policies, technologies, infrastructure, and communities. The RDA vision notes that currently, the global research data landscape is highly fragmented, as practice and policy develop separately according to research disciplines or domains.

Archivists, records professionals and librarians have long been tasked with acquiring, appraising, arranging, managing, preserving and making accessible research material, both digital and analogue. As the global community works towards the harmonisation of research data management, these professionals have skills and expertise which can contribute greatly to the development of best practices.

https://www.rd-alliance.org/rda-disciplines/rda-and-librarianship-archival-...