Voss, Alex and Procter, Rob (2009) Virtual research environments in scholarly work and communications. Librarl Hi Tech, Vol.27 (No.2). pp. 174-190. doi:10.1108/07378830910968146

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Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implications of the emergence of virtual research environments (VREs) and related e-research tools for scholarly work and communications processes.

Design/methodology/approach – The concepts of VREs and of e-research more generally are introduced and relevant literature is reviewed. On this basis, the authors discuss the developing role they play in research practices across a number of disciplines and how scholarly communication is beginning to evolve in response to the opportunities these new tools open up and the challenges they raise.

Findings – Virtual research environments are beginning to change the ways in which researchers go about their work and how they communicate with each other and with other stakeholders such as publishers and service providers. The changes are driven by the changing landscape of data production, curation and (re-)use, by new scientific methods, by changes in technology supply and the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of research in many domains.

Research limitations/implications – The paper is based on observations drawn from a number of projects in which the authors are investigating the uptake of advanced ICT in research. The paper describes the role of VREs as enablers of changing research practices and the ways in which they engender changes in scholarly work and communications.

Practical implications – Librarians and other information professionals need to be aware of how advanced ICTs are being used by researchers to change the ways they work and communicate. Through their experiences with the integration of virtual learning environments within library information services, they are well placed to inform developments that may well change scholarly communications fundamentally.

Originality/value – The paper contributes to emerging discussions about the likely trajectory and impact of advanced ICTs on research and their implications for those, such as librarians and other information professionals, who occupy important support roles.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Computer Science
Journal or Publication Title:	Librarl Hi Tech
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:	0737-8831
Official Date:	2009
Dates:	Date Event 2009 Published
Volume:	Vol.27
Number:	No.2
Page Range:	pp. 174-190
DOI:	10.1108/07378830910968146
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access

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