Academic libraries play a crucial role in supporting the research needs of students, faculty, and the broader academic community. Dixon (2001) says that conducting a special research programmed like Research Week is a pivotal initiative that reinforces the library’s role as a central hub for scholarly communication, knowledge dissemination, and research support. Mcintyre et al. (2007) reported that all research support program are essential for fostering a culture of research and equipping academics with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of scholarly publishing and research.
One of the key components of Research Week is the inclusion of academic forums focused on writing and publishing research articles. These forums provide valuable guidance on the writing process, helping researchers improve the quality of their manuscripts and ensure that their work meets academic standards. Hartley & Hartley (2008) in his article stated that in research forums also offer insights into best practices for selecting appropriate journals, an essential factor for gaining visibility and credibility in the academic community
A second vital program included in Research Week is the focus on publishing in reputable journals. Elmore & Weston (2020)in his writing inform that with the growing threat of predatory publishers, academic libraries must provide researchers with the knowledge and tools to discern between legitimate and predatory journals. (Shamsi et al., 2024)
Ferdy-Mbagwu & Udo-Anyanwu (2021) explain that by inviting experts and experienced researchers to discuss these issues, Research Week helps to raise awareness about the importance of selecting journals that ensure rigorous peer review and high ethical standards.
The publisher talk, another integral part of Research Week, offers an opportunity for direct engagement with reputable publishers, providing researchers with firsthand insights into the publication process. Rafi et al. (2019) says that publishers often introduce new features, technologies, and platforms during these talks, helping researchers optimize their work for publication success.
Additionally, Research Week introduces new features in using online databases. As academic research increasingly relies on digital resources, it is crucial for researchers to stay updated on the latest developments in accessing and using these databases effectively. Tammy Ross (2024) in his writing inform that workshops that focus on advanced search techniques, citation management, and database navigation ensure that researchers can efficiently retrieve the information they need.
In conclusion, Research Week is a critical initiative by academic libraries, providing comprehensive support for research activities. Through academic forums, discussions on predatory publishing, publisher talks, and training on online databases, these events empower researchers to engage more effectively with the scholarly community, contributing to a vibrant academic ecosystem.
Reference
Dixon, N. (2001). Writing for publication – A guide for new authors. International Journal for Quality in Health Care: Journal of the International Society for Quality in Health Care / ISQua, 13, 417–421. https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/13.5.417
Elmore, S. A., & Weston, E. H. (2020). Predatory Journals: What They Are and How to Avoid Them. Toxicologic Pathology, 48(4), 607–610. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192623320920209
Ferdy-Mbagwu, I., & Udo-Anyanwu, A. (2021). PREDATORY JOURNALS: HOW TO KNOW AND AVOID THEM.
Hartley, J., & Hartley, J. (2008). Academic Writing and Publishing. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203927984
Mcintyre, E., Eckermann, S., Keane, M., Magarey, A., & Roeger, L. (2007). Publishing in peer review journals: Criteria for success. Australian Family Physician, 36, 561–562.
Rafi, M., JianMing, Z., & Ahmad, K. (2019). Evaluating the impact of digital library database resources on the productivity of academic research. Information Discovery and Delivery, 47(1), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.1108/IDD-07-2018-0025
Shamsi, A., Wang, T., Vasantha Raju, N., Ghamgosar, A., Mahdizadeh Davani, G., & Mansourzadeh, M. J. (2024). Predatory journals in dermatology: a bibliometric review. Online Information Review, 48(5), 869–888. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-04-2023-0161
Tammy Ross, M. M. (2024, April 3). Topic Browsing in Library Databases: Enhancing Research Skills. Https://Www.Ebsco.Com/.
