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The effects of the research excellence framework research impact agenda on early- and mid-career researchers in library and information science.

Marcella, Rita; Lockerbie, Hayley; Bloice, Lyndsay; Hood, Caroline; Barton, Flora

Authors

Hayley Lockerbie

Caroline Hood

Flora Barton



Abstract

Early- and mid-career researchers will shape the future of library and information science (LIS) research and it is crucial they be well placed to engage with the research impact agenda. Their understanding of research impact may influence their capacity to be returned to research excellence framework (REF), the UK's research quality assessment tool, as well as their ability to access research funding. This article reports the findings of a qualitative study exploring how the research impact agenda is influencing early- and mid-career researcher behaviour. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 early- and mid-career researchers. While enthusiastic about creating lasting impact, participants lack effective institutional support to maximise their own research impact. Participants demonstrate uncertainty about what REF impact is. The authors conclude that while there is evidence LIS academics engage with practice to maximise impact, they lack support in building impact and the discipline needs to do more to create opportunities for the academy and the profession to coalesce to identify objects for and deliver impactful research.

Citation

MARCELLA, R., LOCKERBIE, H., BLOICE, L., HOOD, C. and BARTON, F. 2018. The effects of the research excellence framework research impact agenda on early- and mid-career researchers in library and information science. Journal of information science [online], 44(5), pages 608-618. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/0165551517724685

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 6, 2017
Online Publication Date Aug 4, 2017
Publication Date Oct 1, 2018
Deposit Date Aug 7, 2017
Publicly Available Date Aug 7, 2017
Journal Journal of information science
Print ISSN 0165-5515
Electronic ISSN 1741-6485
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 44
Issue 5
Pages 608-618
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/0165551517724685
Keywords Early career researcher; Impact; Research assessment; Research excellence framework
Public URL http://hdl.handle.net/10059/2426
Contract Date Aug 7, 2017

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