Browsing by Author "Rush, Nathan"

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    A Community of Practice approach to delivering research support services in a post-92 Higher Education Institution: A reflective case study
    (Taylor and Francis, 2017-05-19) Coombs, Jenny; Thomas, Mandy; Rush, Nathan; Martin, Elizabeth
    The need for research support in UK universities is growing at a fast pace and a number of different professional and academic units within universities are involved in the process. This case study takes place in a post-92 higher education institution and discusses the benefit of utilising a cross-university Community of Practice (CoP) approach to delivering research support services. It takes a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews to ascertain the personal experiences of community members. The article’s key findings for successful implementation include a common sense of purpose; a shared concern or passion about the research agenda; a sense of community and belonging; trust; a safe environment; and senior management support. Added benefit is demonstrated by enhanced staff knowledge, increased job satisfaction and profile raising of the Library and Learning Service. The findings can help libraries in similar positions to use collaborative initiatives to develop research support services.
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    Improving Communication Between Postgraduate Researchers and the University Library: A Case Study at De Montfort University Library and Learning Services
    (Taylor and Francis, 2016-03-17) Petch, Melanie Jayne; Fraser, Katie; Rush, Nathan; Cope, Alan; Lowe, Julie
    A well-established postgraduate researcher development program has existed at De Montfort University for many years. Library and Learning Services include modules on literature searching skills and critical appraisal. However, we recognized that researchers seemed to be disengaged with the services on offer. This concern informed a research project that considered the ways we could communicate better with researchers based on their needs. This paper explores the essential components of successful communication, such as context, timeliness and communication channels. An action-research approach was taken including focus groups and online surveys. The outcomes highlighted three significant crisis points, emphasizing the key times when researchers might need some intervention. The findings of this research identified the distinct needs of Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) and how relevant and timely communication from the library can meet these needs. It also considers the impact of how communication has improved with researchers as a result of some of our interventions.
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    Improving communication between postgraduate researchers and the university library: A case study at De Montfort University Library and Learning Services
    (De Montfort University, 2015-11) Petch, Melanie Jayne; Rush, Nathan; Fraser, Katie; Lowe, Julie; Cope, Alan
    no abstract provided