Libraries and International Cooperation: Survey Report

Abstract

A significant share of libraries – in particular academic, national and special – are involved in supporting international research collaboration, but regularly face challenges in doing so, in particular when it comes to sharing materials. Key barriers and preoccupations vary by region and library type, but copyright, research security rules and practical capacity all feature. There is significant content about long-term trends in research collaboration.

Library schools engage regularly in research collaboration in particular, while their ability to welcome and engage international students is restricted by rules around visas, while copyright affects research partnerships.

Engagement in international associations outside of events offers an ongoing means of collaborating internationally, but cost remains an issue for many, as does finding the time to engage and growing polarisation. Updating ways and opportunities for engagement to respond will be important, as even though respondents are more positive about the future of library collaboration, the anticipation is still that things will get worse.