Librarians as Part of Cross-Disciplinary, Multi-Institutional Team Projects: Experiences from the VIVO Collaboration

Area of Science:

• Library and Information Science
• Team Science
• Research Collaboration

Background:

• Cross-disciplinary research necessitates effective team-based collaboration.
• Librarians are increasingly integral members of these research teams.
• Understanding the unique skills librarians require for such collaborations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify essential skills for librarians integrating into cross-disciplinary research teams.
• To analyze the experiences of librarians involved in the VIVO platform development.
• To provide insights into fostering successful librarian participation in team science.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of librarian experiences during the VIVO project.
• Interviews focusing on challenges, skills gained, and lessons learned.
• Examination of findings through the lens of the science of team science literature.

Main Results:

• Librarians reported gaining valuable skills through collaborative projects.
• Key skills identified include inclusive thinking, communication, perseverance, adaptability, and leadership.
• Factors influencing collaboration within the VIVO team were elucidated.

Conclusions:

• Specific skill sets are vital for librarians to thrive in cross-disciplinary research environments.
• The VIVO project provided a practical context for identifying these essential collaborative competencies.
• Further development of these skills will enhance librarians' contributions to team science.