Editing Research library (section)

== Services ==
Research libraries can be either [[Reference library|reference libraries]], which do not lend their holdings, or [[Lending library|lending libraries]], which do lend all or some of their holdings. Some extremely large or traditional research libraries are entirely reference in this sense, lending none of their material; most [[academic library|academic research libraries]], at least in the U.S., now lend books, but not periodicals or other material. Books available in research libraries can include textbooks, journals and rare manuscripts. As the contents of research libraries are so focused, there can sometimes be a high demand for certain book titles. To ensure that as many patrons as possible can have access to the books they need, libraries have reserve collections, the books of which are only available for short-term loans. These loans can range from a few days to as short as a few hours.<ref name=":0" /> Patrons can also gain access to periodicals and journals that require paid subscriptions through their libraries which they can use to access primary research materials.<ref name=":4" />

A research library is often connected to the services of the university related to [[scholarly communication]], such as support for [[open access journal]]s run by the institution and the operation of an [[institutional repository]], as well as support for the usage of other institutions' repositories and [[open archive]]s through [[discovery tools]] and [[academic search engines]] like [[BASE (search engine)|BASE]], [[CORE (research service)|CORE]] and [[Unpaywall]].

Rare books and manuscripts are often very valuable and can sometimes be fragile. These are often not available for loan, and can only be accessed within the library and sometimes under the supervision of the librarian.<ref name=":0" /> Rare books are those that were printed before 1850 and of which very few copies still exist today. They are highly valuable for research purposes as they often form the basis of historical research. Having a rare book in a library's collection is very prestigious and is often indicative of the library's high standards for materials.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rare Books and Manuscripts |url=https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/library-museum-gallery/crc/collections/rare-books-manuscripts |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=The University of Edinburgh |language=en}}</ref>

Libraries may also have archives of old photographs, films, musical scores and even artwork.<ref name=":2" /> They often also have archives of old newspapers and periodicals. Newspapers are often accessible through [[Microform#Microfiche|microfiche]] machines, which are used to view images of back issues of such publications.<ref name=":0" /> Research libraries also often provide patrons with basic technological equipment such as computers, scanners and printers to aid them in their work.<ref name=":2" />

These libraries frequently collaborate with one another to share resources through inter-library loans. This enables each library to meet the needs of more patrons while keeping their costs down. Libraries may also collaborate to share the costs features such as licensing information sources.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kyrillidou |first=Martha |date=November 2000 |title=Research library trends: ARL statistics |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0099133300001774 |journal=The Journal of Academic Librarianship |language=en |volume=26 |issue=6 |pages=427–436 |doi=10.1016/S0099-1333(00)00177-4|url-access=subscription }}</ref> This is especially important today, with libraries being required to offer more services for their patrons with fewer resources.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chapter 9: Collaboration: The Power (and the Price) of Working Together – Instruction and Pedagogy for Youth in Public Libraries |url=https://publiclibraryinstruction.web.unc.edu/chapter-9-collaboration-the-power-and-the-price-of-working-together/ |access-date=2022-05-27 |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Research librarians ===
[[Librarian]]s at research libraries are responsible for curating the library's collections. They identify the best books and resources by reading catalogues, publishers' announcements and book reviews, and acquire them for the libraries. These resources are often of high quality and are from trusted sources and publishers. They also catalogue and organize the books and resources, maintain and repair books as required.<ref name=":1" /> Librarians can also work with colleagues in other institutions to share resources and better the relationships between institutions.<ref name=":1" />

Librarians who work in research libraries often have in-depth knowledge of the subjects that are the focus of the institutions in which they work. They are therefore able to answer more specific topical queries that patrons might have while also giving advice on the best resources to access for the necessary information.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal |last1=Perkins |first1=Gay Helen |last2=Slowik |first2=Amy J.W. |date=2013-03-01 |title=The Value of Research in Academic Libraries |url=http://crl.acrl.org/index.php/crl/article/view/16291 |journal=College & Research Libraries |volume=74 |issue=2 |pages=143–158 |doi=10.5860/crl-308 |issn=2150-6701|doi-access=free }}</ref> They conduct informational or reference interviews with patrons to ascertain what information they are looking for, and the purpose behind their research. This can help them to direct users to the appropriate databases or materials or in some cases obtaining these materials from external sources for them.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=McKinzie |first=Steve |date=2002 |title=For Ethical Reference, Pare the Paraprofessionals |journal=American Libraries |volume=33 |issue=9 |pages=42}}</ref>

With the changing role of libraries, research librarians' roles have evolved to include more than just selecting and maintaining the library's offerings and books, and helping patrons locate the items of their choice. Today, librarians must also be technologically savvy so they can teach users how to use the library's electronic systems.<ref name=":3" />

Many librarians conduct their own independent research on topics pertaining to a library's field or on the topic of libraries themselves. When the library is affiliated with an academic institution, librarians may even have quotas on how much research they must complete and how many papers they should publish. Oftentimes, these librarians have to meet their quotas in order to be eligible for promotions or even tenure positions at the library. Librarians' research can help to improve the level of service offered by the staff of the institution by increasing their knowledge of the investigative process.<ref name=":5" /> The research conducted may also support the operations of the library.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Kennedy |first1=Marie R. |last2=Brancolini |first2=Kristine R. |date=2018-09-06 |title=Academic Librarian Research: An Update to a Survey of Attitudes, Involvement, and Perceived Capabilities |url=https://crl.acrl.org/index.php/crl/article/view/16855 |journal=College & Research Libraries |volume=79 |issue=6 |pages=822 |doi=10.5860/crl.79.6.822 |issn=0010-0870|doi-access=free }}</ref>

Librarians also spearhead the digitization projects of any primary research sources that the library might have. These sources are typically the result of research projects conducted by the librarians affiliated with that institution.<ref name=":3" /> Digitization projects are often intensive and long-drawn. Librarians need to identify which materials should be digitized and the priority in which they should be digitized. They also need to ascertain what formats will be most suitable for the materials and the patrons, raise the necessary funds and obtain the rights to digitize the items. They then need to prepare the original documents, have them scanned or otherwise converted and ensure that all the necessary metadata is added. They then have to perform quality checks to ensure that the material is of the highest quality and fit to be released to the public.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Tanner |first=Simon |date=2001-12-01 |title=Librarians in the digital age: planning digitisation projects |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/eum0000000006951 |journal=Program |volume=35 |issue=4 |pages=327–337 |doi=10.1108/eum0000000006951 |issn=0033-0337|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

=== Future prospects ===
With the rapid advancement of technology and the advent of the digital age, consumers expectations are changing and libraries are being required to improve their digital infrastructure. This phenomenon began in the early 2010s and has been accelerated due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] when many libraries across the world were physically closed forcing patrons to rely solely on their electronic offerings. Libraries have had to update their technological infrastructure in order to keep up with the new demands of the public.<ref name=":2" />

The first step the average person takes when they conduct research is no longer visiting the library but searching for information online.<ref name=":0" /> Patrons will obtain a basic understanding of their topic and identify the books or materials they need before ever setting foot in a library. They can also identify which libraries will provide them the most convenient access to these materials through online archives and catalogues.<ref name=":1" /> This is what makes effective digitization projects in libraries and the maintenance of accurate online catalogues crucial for libraries' continued survival. Libraries may also have functions on their websites which enable patrons to email librarians with questions directly to obtain answers in a quick and efficient manner and also ensure that questions will be addressed by the most qualified party.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ask a Librarian - Ask a Librarian |url=https://ask.loc.gov/ |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=ask.loc.gov}}</ref>

Libraries are now required to have extensive digital collections which comprise electronic journals, [[Ebook]]s and virtual reference services. They must also make their catalogues available online for users to quickly determine whether the library has the materials they need and when and how these materials will be available for their use. Many libraries also have interlinked systems that enable patrons to reserve and borrow books from affiliated libraries, effectively increasing their collection size while keeping costs down.<ref name=":1" /> This can make it possible for libraries to offer resources that have a narrow appeal and a low demand but that could still be useful for patrons to access.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Co |first=Ex Libris A. ProQuest |title=Three Trends Shaping the Future of Libraries |url=https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/three-trends-future |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Library Journal}}</ref>

Libraries are also required to be more efficient to meet both consumer demand and to keep up with continuing budget cuts. One benefit of increasing digitization is that it enables greater automation of workflows within libraries which ensures that they become more streamlined. These increased efficiencies ensure libraries and their librarians are able to provide the highest quality service possible.<ref name=":9" />