Librarians as Partners: Moving from Research Supporters to Research Partners

Abstract

Academic libraries have long been discussing the need to remain relevant and demonstrate value to their institutions. This paper explores how academic libraries can expand the concept of embedded librarianship to create research partnerships at universities. Such partnerships will enhance value to the institutional research output, as well as increase the visibility of unique librarian skills and library resources. Using a case study from a public research I university, the author discusses innovative roles for librarians on research teams. Embedding academic librarians fully into the research enterprise recognizes the significant contributions that librarians can make as research partners.