Research commons: bringing research support activities of the University of Moratuwa to the next Ievel

Abstract

Research Commons is a dedicated library spaceforresearchers. Research Commons in libraries is important to develop research culture in the university environment. The authors surveyed all academic staffofthe University ofMoratuwa to review the current status ofthe research support activities offered by the university library. The objectives ofthis survey were to: investigate the usage and importance of current research support services andfind out the significance ofsome proposed research support services. The research questionnaire was developed after conducting a pilot study among eminent researchers and focus group interviews with the library academics. According to their importance to the research activities ofacademic staff members, current library services and new library services were ranked using average weightedscores. Access to onlinejournals and databases, Plagiarism check, and electronic document delivery services are the library's most important current research support activities. Open access services, research impact assessment services, and assistance in scholarly publishing are the most important jnew research support services planned by the library. Since the ranking of the proposed services with the average weighted score provides an understanding of ;existing demand or the need among academics, it is essential to prepare a schedule 1forimplementingfollowing the strategic goals ofthe University ofMoratuwa.