University of Reading joins elite group of research libraries in UK and Ireland
Monday, 29 June 2015
Reading's University Library and Collections Services (ULCS) has become a member of RLUK (Research Libraries UK), which represents the leading and most significant research libraries in the UK and Ireland and is an influential community that shapes the research library agenda.
"We were very impressed with the quality of the applications we received from libraries wishing to join RLUK", said John MacColl, Chair of RLUK.
Julia Munro (Head, ULCS) said "I am both delighted and proud that ULCS is now a member of RLUK. We look forward to collaborating with RLUK colleagues on initiatives and innovations for outstanding research support services and collections in a digital age."
Steve Mithen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, added: "Admission to RLUK puts Reading in an elite group of libraries. It's recognition of the significant contribution that our libraries and collections make to our world-class research.
"As we implement the 2020 research plan, ULCS will play a key role through the service given to academics by its skilled specialist staff, particularly in making our research available to a wider audience through open access and in maximising the impact of our research, including through the greater use of bibliometrics."
How ULCS supports research
Designated collections
The quality and variety of University of Reading research collections are exceptional and include three designated collections of national and international importance: the Museum of English Rural Life, the Archive of British Publishing and Printing, and the Samuel Beckett Collection. The University has built up a strong culture of partnership between academic colleagues and librarians, archivists and curators around the strength of its research collections.
Skills development programme
Recent developments in ULCS include the establishment of a skills development programme as part of its collections-based research PhD programme and the notable growth in public engagement and impact opportunities involving collections.
ULCS research projects
ULCS also hosts two longstanding and successful research projects: the Location Register of English Literary Manuscripts and Letters and the WATCH project (Writers and their Copyright Holders).
Supporting researchers across the University
ULCS takes a lead role in supporting research across the University, driving forward Open Access initiatives. The University's institutional repository, CentAUR, managed in ULCS, currently holds nearly 3,000 peer-reviewed full texts available on Open Access. ULCS also actively contributed to the review of the University's research strategy; its role in this area will increase following approval for the position of a full-time bibliometrician to support researchers across the University.
Contact Paul Johnson for more information