Regional Medical Library-Sponsored e-Science Activities: A Qualitative Survey and Lessons Learned

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To determine, by National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) region, the extent of participation in Regional Medical Library (RML)-sponsored activities addressing e-science, the structure of these activities, and the effect, if any, they have had within their region. The project was limited to activities occurring during the current 2011-2016 NN/LM contract period. METHODS The Associate Director (AD) of each RML received, via email, the same letter and qualitative survey. After receiving all surveys, follow-up conversations were held with five of the ADs (63%) as they included contextual information critical to understanding their survey responses and regional activity. RESULTS All regions (100%) indicated e-science outreach activity, the form of which greatly varied. While many regions (6) participated in hosting and/or sponsoring educational events, others supported e-science in a plethora of other ways. Moreover, a different survey question highlighted that each region is planning to sponsor future e-science related activities; again, the form of these greatly varied among regions. Valuable lessons regarding the research process and pertaining to the RMLs were learned throughout the course of this project. These lessons will be detailed in the poster. CONCLUSIONS The author concludes that, in spite of the project objectives, the more interesting question is, “what form are the RML e-science outreach activities taking?” Every RML is participating in e-science support activities, however the form and structure of these activities varies greatly. The author has learned that the RMLs are not strictly top-down organizations, and therefore, their activities will strongly reflect the interests of their regional membership, i.e. what kind of activity best serves the region and its network members?