The title of this book emanates directly from Facet Publishing's new Practical
Tips series, and in this case the content certainly backs up that claim. Throughout Practical Tips for Facilitating Research Moira J. Bent’s ‘wisdom of crowds’
approach offers insights and experiences that are very much based on real world
examples and exemplars, both her own and those of colleagues working in other institutions.
As a result, there is not only a real richness and breadth to the advice presented, but an underlying authenticity and credibility to it as well.
During the opening section on landscapes and models, Bent discusses how to understand who your researchers are, their
needs, motivations, and workflows - an aspect that is fundamental to helping us
facilitate research more effectively. Those who are relatively new to working in the
academic environment may find this section particularly helpful to orient
themselves in their new role and as a means of getting to grips with the
perspective of a typical researcher. However, the recurring and useful “to
think about” prompts also provide food for thought and reflection for even
the most experienced readers. The references to theory are plentiful and
well-researched, and give ‘just enough’ without dwelling on too much detail –
it is, after all, a book very much focused on practice.
A similar pattern continues throughout the rest of the text, which covers a range of areas including collections and information literacy, as well as unpacking specific interventions where libraries can actively position themselves, such as RDM and systematic reviews. Suggestions are notably pragmatic, and very much cognisant of the practical realities of many resource-stretched libraries. For instance, in relation to the potential for libraries to become more involved in supplying data for research proposals, Bent suggests: "Before venturing down this route, consider whether you have sufficient resources to continue if the idea takes root. Treating the contribution as a pilot or experiment will ensure that you are able to draw back or even investigate if a percentage of the subsequent grant might devolve to the library in recognition of the work" (2016, p.131). Currency is crucial in a rapidly-changing area such as scholarly communications, and the text is very much up to date with reference to a number of recent developments such as the Leiden Manifesto.
A similar pattern continues throughout the rest of the text, which covers a range of areas including collections and information literacy, as well as unpacking specific interventions where libraries can actively position themselves, such as RDM and systematic reviews. Suggestions are notably pragmatic, and very much cognisant of the practical realities of many resource-stretched libraries. For instance, in relation to the potential for libraries to become more involved in supplying data for research proposals, Bent suggests: "Before venturing down this route, consider whether you have sufficient resources to continue if the idea takes root. Treating the contribution as a pilot or experiment will ensure that you are able to draw back or even investigate if a percentage of the subsequent grant might devolve to the library in recognition of the work" (2016, p.131). Currency is crucial in a rapidly-changing area such as scholarly communications, and the text is very much up to date with reference to a number of recent developments such as the Leiden Manifesto.
Those who are exploring how to support research more
strategically may find the chapter on organisational structures particularly
useful. Again using examples from different institutions, Bent showcases some
of the varied and different approaches that can all work well, depending on the specific
context and objectives, for instance having a specialised research services function
versus offering research support through subject or liaison librarians. I was
particularly glad to see a section encouraging librarians to become researchers
and writers themselves, as this is something that has personally given me a
much greater understanding of the research process, and the needs and workflows
of researchers.
What is very much apparent throughout the book is Bent’s
awareness that a one size fits all approach does not typically work. Underpinned
by a flexible rather than prescriptive format, the book prompts readers to consider
the options that might work best for researchers in their own organisations,
rather than suggesting that they try to transplant or replicate a successful service,
model or programme verbatim from another institution. Unlike many books, the structure is deliberately designed to
allow readers to dip into specific sections as needed, rather than necessarily
having to read it from cover to cover – a real advantage for those time-poor
librarians looking for a quick burst of inspiration or advice. Above all however, it’s a
book that offers a variety of approaches, insight, and real-world examples
that work – exactly what you need whether you are searching for a simple solution to
quickly improve services, or ideas to help inform and shape a more fundamental or
strategic change.
Practical Tips for Facilitating Research is published by Facet Publishing, March 2016, 299pp, £49.95.
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