The, diffuse library revisited: aligning the library as strategic asset

摘要

Purpose – This paper sets out to explore the shifts in roles evident in the research librarycommunity, with illustrative case studies from the University of Minnesota Libraries.Design/methodology/approach – The approach takes the form of a review of environmentalforces that are fueling changes in research methodologies and scholar behavior. Changes in researchlibrary roles are explored in the context of three case studies, highlighting new forms of engagementwith the scholar community. Findings – Three University of Minnesota Libraries' initiatives illustrate: the use of behavioral data_to design a customized discovery environment for scholarship, new organizational constructs toengage the community in issues related to control of scholarship, and strategies to develop a virtualcommunity in the field of bioethics. Originality/value – The paper presents the original perspective of a University Librarian of a largeresearch library and draws on earlier analyses of research behaviors, technology, and research libraryroles.