Librarian readiness for research partnerships

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences Librarianship
• Research Support Services
• Human Participant Research

Background:

• Academic health sciences librarians increasingly support sponsored research.
• Partnerships in human participant research require specific librarian knowledge and skills.
• Understanding librarians' current readiness is crucial for effective research support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess health sciences librarians' knowledge and skills for partnering on human participant research.
• To identify factors influencing librarians' readiness to engage in research activities.
• To inform the development of targeted training and support initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A web-based survey was developed and administered at two time points.
• The survey assessed nine indicators of research activities using the transtheoretical model of behavior change.
• Participants included health sciences librarians involved in research support.

Main Results:

• Librarians with prior research experience reported higher engagement in research activities.
• Membership in the Medical Library Association Research Section correlated with increased indicator completion.
• Readiness varied across different stages of behavior change.

Conclusions:

• Awareness interventions may promote skill development in librarians at the precontemplation stage.
• Mentoring and continuing education are vital for librarians contemplating or preparing for research activities.
• Targeted professional development can enhance librarians' capacity to support sponsored human participant research.