ARL Reports Findings of E-Science Survey

In the October 2009 ARL membership meeting, the findings of a survey of ARL libraries were reported. The survey was designed to provide some information about the extent of involvement of ARL member libraries with e-science. According to the website of the UK's Science & Tchnology Facilities Council:

e-Science provides the computing, data storage and networking infrastructure required by today's advanced science facilities to support the complete scientific lifecycle, from background research, through simulation and experimental design, data collection and analysis to publication.

Here is the background information about the ARL's e-science survey:

The ARL E-Science Working Group surveyed member libraries in August and September of 2009 to gather data on the state of engagement with e-science issues among member libraries and their research institutions. The survey findings are intended to assist the membership in understanding the community’s involvement with e-science support and will help the working group act to support members in this emergent arena. The survey provides a current snapshot of data curation and e-science support activities, documenting a range of approaches and strategies evolving at research institutions and among research libraries.

The research libraries reported on widespread planning and development at their institutions and described a variety of models for service provision and infrastructure development. Library engagement in data curation was also common. Respondents provided information on library services, organizational structures, staffing patterns and staff development, and involvement in research grants, along with perspectives on pressure points for service development.

In addition to providing a picture of support for e-science activities at research institutions and models for a variety of activities and services, the survey findings provide a foundation for planning ARL’s next steps in advancing support for e-science.

In addition to a summary of survey finding, information about resources for institutional and library support of e-science is available.