e-Science and data support services: a survey of ARL members

Abstract

After working for several years to promote research library support for e-science and e-research, the Association of Research Libraries E-science Working Group surveyed member libraries in the Fall of 2009 to gather data on the state of engagement with e-science issues. ARL members include the largest research libraries in the US and Canada and collectively support a substantial proportion of the North American research enterprise. The survey provides a current snapshot of data curation and e-science support activities, documenting a range of approaches and strategies evolving at research institutions and among research libraries. The research libraries reported on widespread planning and development at their institutions and described a variety of models for service provision and infrastructure development. Library engagement in data curation was also common. Respondents provided information on library services, organizational structures, staffing patterns and staff development, and involvement in research grants, along with perspectives on pressure points for service development