Editing Research library (section)

=== 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>