Empowering researchers: The role of libraries in promoting published research

Author: Saskia Hoving

Editor-in-Chief

For librarians, the most rewarding aspect of their role is often seeing the tangible impact of their support on researchers' success. In this third and final blog in our series on supporting researchers, we focus on the last and arguably most important stage in the research lifecycle – promoting published research.

The research cycle doesn’t stop at publication; in fact, this is just the beginning. Disseminating research to a broad audience enhances the chances of making a real-world impact and advancing researchers' goals. This means that researchers not only need to engage with the research community but also journalists, policymakers, and the general public. Libraries play a crucial role in the creation and dissemination of knowledge and can equip researchers with the necessary skills to promote their work effectively. This support is particularly vital for early-career researchers who may not realize they need help.

What researchers need help with

Although highly skilled and educated, many researchers say they would benefit from assistance at some point in the course of their research projects. In a 2022 Nature Masterclasses survey, 97% of participants agreed that having the right skills is essential to advancing their research career.

One area researchers often find challenging is soft skills – communication and networking - which are key elements of self-publicity and necessary in the course of promoting research.  Despite recognising the importance of communicating their work, this doesn’t always come naturally to researchers. In this survey, 81% of responding researchers revealed that conveying their work to wider, non-science audiences was an area they found difficult.

Considering how important these skills are, this is an opportunity for the library to take a proactive lead and reach out to researchers, especially ECRs, with help and training.

How can libraries help with promoting research?

Libraries are good at engaging with researchers and well placed to help them in the areas they find most difficult here.

• Communicating research: Many researchers find communicating their research to non-academic audiences challenging. This is vital if they want to promote their research effectively so that it has the impact it deserves. Helping them refine their messaging and providing training in this area is a major way to help.
• Repositories: Uploading research to the institutional repository is one of the easiest ways libraries can help. Many researchers are too busy moving on to their next project to realise the importance of this, but with encouragement from the library, this crucial step will boost their visibility.
• Creating a researcher profile: Developing an effective online presence is an essential foundation for promoting research. Increased visibility facilitates contact with potential readers and collaborators, and with tracking research achievements. Libraries can help with creating ORCID IDs and advise on using research sharing platforms such as Academia.edu and ResearchGate.
• Social media: This is a key channel for promoting research. Libraries are experienced social media users and well-placed to share their knowledge with researchers.
• Soft skills: Many researchers can be overwhelmed by the pressure to network. But it’s a vital element in getting themselves and their research known by as many people as possible. Libraries can help with advice on how to engage at conferences, and how to network in general.

Practical ways to help – top tips

Collaborating with researchers in a number of different ways will ensure they receive the help they need to promote their research effectively.

• Workshops: Offering short training events focusing on specific aspects of promotion will help libraries connect with researchers effectively. This can be in person, which creates a real two-way connection with participants. It can also be online, whether live or on-demand, which is an easy way for users to access advice at times that suit their busy schedules. Promoting these events well in advance will ensure as many researchers as possible benefit from them.
• The library website: Creating guides and resources for the library website which complement the training sessions will again benefit researchers who wish to access advice at times that suit them. 
• Leveraging publisher support: Publishers engage in their own promotional activities and are often willing to provide collateral for libraries to share with their researchers. If it’s not already available, engaging with publishers’ marketing teams to explore potential ways of promoting published research is recommended. They can also provide training workshops or guides for researchers.  
• Persist: Sometimes it might seem that researchers are too busy to accept help, or they don’t want the library to get involved. This shouldn’t be a barrier, but it takes persistence on the part of the library. Enlisting the help and authority of the Research Office can also add weight to the library’s messaging.

Publishers are here to help

As partners in the research cycle alongside researchers and libraries, publishers play a pivotal role in the dissemination of research. Keeping in regular contact with them is a crucial part of the process.

A range of resources are available from Springer Nature for libraries wishing to help their researchers through the research lifecycle. The Source and The Link are packed with insights and advice on publishing, including communicating research and how institutions can support their researchers in achieving impact for their work. Nature Masterclasses offers online courses and training on all aspects of the research lifecycle.

Related content

• How libraries enhance research ethics for researchers
• Practical tips for librarians to support early career researchers’ success
• Inclusive libraries and supporting disabled users in science
• How to support inclusive practice among students and researchers
• Making policy a reality – practical steps to open access workflows
• Publishing without barriers: Essential advocates for OA
• ECR Program: Bridging the gap between librarians and researchers
• Insights into researcher training needs and expected librarian support
• Virtual versus in-person seminars: Which training support is most beneficial?
• How can institutions help researchers navigate the publication process?

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