The influence and function of libraries and librarians on research outputs of universities and higher education institutions: a literature review

In the information age, libraries and librarians play a crucial role as vital partners in the research outputs of institutions. This is not just an opportunity but a necessity. Based on a review of the literature, this study aims to examine the role and impact of librarians and libraries on university research outputs. To conduct this study, a systematic search was performed in the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, LISA, and LISTA databases, along with search engines Google Scholar and Google, from January 2010 to March 2024. After screening and removing irrelevant results, 69 documents were included in the study. The findings revealed that publications on the role of libraries and librarians in university research were significant from the beginning of the research process to connecting the final research results to industry. This role has manifested itself through support and technical services, information literacy training, development of research skills and ideas, information location and retrieval, evaluation and management of research data, dissemination of research findings, and acting as a link between academic research results and industry. Librarians and libraries have contributed to all stages of the university’s research process, from planning to connecting research outcomes with industry. They are now an integral and embedded part of university research, and the library and information profession is evolving to meet the changing landscape, where technological advancements will lead to a significant shift in librarians’ roles within the university research lifecycle in the future.