Alignment of library services with the research lifecycle

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to understand the needs of biomedical researchers related to the research lifecycle and the present state of library support for biomedical research. METHODS: Qualitative interview data were collected from biomedical researchers who were asked to describe their research activities from identifying a problem to measuring the impact of their findings. Health sciences library leaders were surveyed about the services that they currently provide or plan to provide in supporting biomedical research. RESULTS: Library services were strongest at the beginning and end of the research lifecycle but were weaker in the conducting phase of research. Co-occurrence of codes from the qualitative data suggests that library services are on the fringe of rather than integrated into the research lifecycle. DISCUSSION: Findings from this study suggest that tradition-based service models of health sciences libraries are insufficient to meet the needs of biomedical researchers. Investments by libraries in services that integrate with the conducting phase of research are needed for libraries to remain relevant in their support of the research lifecycle.