CNI Report: Directions in Digital Scholarship

The focus of the report is captured in its subtitle, Support for Digital, Data-Intensive, and Computational Research in Academic Libraries. We're displaying a few excerpts below from author Joan Lippincott's Executive Summary, but those with an interest are encouraged to read the report in full. 

From The Executive Summary

This report of a 2023 Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) initiative takes a broad look at library engagement with digital scholarship (DS) and examines connections with data-intensive and computational research over roughly the past five years and into the future. There is no set formula for a DS program, while there might be good models and good practices. The kinds of programs offered, the balance of research vs. instructional services, and the key constituencies served are dependent on institutional factors such as the goals represented in the university’s strategic plan or the support of a particular college.

To understand trends in DS programs, including attention to the impact of the pandemic, especially with reference to the importance of physical spaces and in-person programming, evidence was gathered from several sources, including online interviews with 12 library and DS leaders, profiles of 47 libraries’ DS programs, and conversations during two online forums representing a total of 24 institutions.

Factors that aid in building a strong, sustainable program include:

• Aligning the program with university priorities and strategic initiatives
• Gaining support from faculty who partner with and use services of the DS program
• Providing strong library administrative support, including making DS an integral part of the library’s offerings and reshaping staff positions to include or focus on work that is integral to DS
• Communicating what the DS program offers to internal staff and a variety of constituencies and potential supporters
• Developing strong campus partnerships

Factors that hinder the development of DS programs include:

• Staffing problems: lack of expertise, vacant positions, difficulty attracting qualified staff
• Difficulty scaling programs to meet burgeoning demand
• Lack of policies guiding the degree of involvement in projects, consultations, and instruction and commitment to curation
• Weak participation by library staff in other units
• Communication and legibility of the DS program

Some important areas for further study include developing:

• Clear notions of success for DS programs
• Common data collection practices for DS activities
• Policies and guidelines for projects and instruction
• Models of organizational roles and reporting relationships
• Models for campus partnerships
• Improved modes of internal and external communication for DS programs

Again, those with an interest will want to read the report in full.