2017 American Theological Library Association Annual Conference

As part of a broader Ithaka S+R project, “to study the research practices of scholars by discipline,” a number of libraries participated in “Looking at the Research Needs of Religious Studies Scholars.” Theological and Religious Studies faculty were solicited and interviewed, recordings were commercially transcribed and transcripts were coded by the investigating librarians. Results were analyzed in local reports as well as gathered in a national report published by Ithaka.

In this panel session, four libraries will share their unique context and findings from this ethnographic research. Together, panelists will speculate on the implications of the local and national analysis on library services specifically related to this group of scholars and the position of libraries within scholarly communication. There will be an opportunity for audience members to ask questions and share their experiences with faculty research practices.