Defining a new role: the embedded Research Information Manager Kamal Achuthan (UCL) Karen Walshe (British Library)

Background Researchers are now faced with a daunting volume of research information Primary concern is ensuring relevant, high quality, context-specific information is directed to the researcher BL & RIN – Enable: How are researchers finding information – Informal way without support from library and services – Strong desire for professional advice, training and support to be closely integrated within research teams and laboratories

Background Informationist – provides context-specific support for information discovery and use from within a research team, institute or organisation – A step on from ‘liaison librarian’ to a truly embedded role – Clinical research teams -> biosciences – Present in a growing number of institutions in the U.S. (John Hopkins)

Introduction Define the need, explore the benefits and risks, and evaluate the approaches for establishing a dedicated information specialist within a multidisciplinary research environment – Establish a pragmatic methodology for defining and embedding a new role – Research Information Manager – Define the role skill set required to enhance the management of research information and data within the ARG

Accessibility Research Group (ARG) Research group within UCLs Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering Department Research on investigating and extending accessibility Researchers from diverse fields – Engineering, Ophthalmology, Psychology, Architecture, Economics and a wide spectrum of Medical research areas Pedestrian Accessibility and Movement Laboratory (PAMELA) Good example of the diverse nature of research groups within Universities

British Library (BL) Science Technology and Medicine (STM)Team Backgrounds in scientific research, funding, policy, project and information management – Understanding scientific researchers & their research practices, trends and drivers for change – Stakeholder & partnership building – Developing new and managing current STM content and services – Areas: Biomedical and Environmental sciences

Aim & Scope Gain an integrated understanding of the flow of research information within ARG and across UCL Information needs & management practices (ARG) Information support practices & infrastructure (UCL) Gaps & Opportunities Examples of best practice (UK and overseas) Role requirements of RIM

Objectives Assess and capture the information needs and practices (ARG & UCL) Identify examples of best practise in the UK and overseas that map to the gaps and opportunities identified Establish skill set and training requirements for the RIM role (applicable to ARG & HE) Identify mechanisms to integrate the RIM role with existing institutional processes and infrastructure

Key Deliverables A final report that includes: – an evaluation of the approaches taken to define the RIM role – Recommendations on the requirements for successful implementation of a follow-on pilot of the RIM role – Key findings and lessons learnt of relevance to the broader HE research community

Methodology Interviews, focus groups and workshop Phase I (Planning) – Stakeholder mapping – Project website Project website – Online questionnaire Online questionnaire – Schedule for interviews Phase II (Data Collection) – Structured interviews Phase III (Analysis and Report Writing) – Workshop, draft report and dissemination

Outline Plan ActivitiesMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAug. Set up project board and Project Website Conduct preliminary desk research Identify stakeholders for interviews & workshops, and ongoing liaison Create structure for interviews and workshops Carry out interviews and workshops Analyse and synthesise findings Draft recommendations Deliver final report, including ARG pilot outline

Project Organisation Project Lead Nick Tyler Project Board Chair: Lee-Ann Coleman Members: Nick Tyler Liz Lyon Paul Ayris Allan Sudlow Elizabeth Newbold Project Team Karen Walshe Roselle Thoreau Kamalasudhan Achuthan Rachael Kotarski Project Advisors Kim Morgan Taku Fujiyama Allan Sudlow Elizabeth Newbold

Contacts Kamal Achuthan (UCL) – Karen Walshe (British Library) –

Project website

Online questionnaire