A Pilot Study Examining the Perceptions of Academic Librarians as Researchers According to Academic Librarians

Abstract

This pilot study explored the perception of academic librarians as researchers and academics according to academic librarians themselves. Previous research acknowledges the tendency of relations between librarians and non-librarian faculty to be strained, with faculty frequently unaware of the research activities of librarians. Perceptions of academic librarians do not often reflect their true capabilities. Despite these flawed perceptions, librarians conduct research regularly, both within and outside of the Library and Information Studies (LIS) field. This study explored the nature of collaborative research between librarians and faculty, the perceived function(s) of research for librarians and the ability of librarians to conduct research.