Q&A with Product Manager Helen Jennings
Access to Research spotlighted this Libraries Change Lives Week
This week, June 2nd-8th, is a special one for libraries as Libraries Change Lives Week takes center stage, we're putting a well-deserved spotlight on Access to Research and its positive impacts. To give you a comprehensive look at its development and strategic direction, we asked Helen Jennings, the services dedicated Product Manager for her insight.
Helen, can you briefly explain what the Access to Research service is?
Access to Research is an online service that provides public library uses in the UK, free access to academic journal articles delivered by world leading publishers.
What was the original motivation behind launching Access to Research?
The service was in in response to recommendations made by the Finch Group, a UK government committee that sought to improve access to publicly funded research.
In 2014, the then Publishers’ Licensing Services Chief Executive, Sarah Folder, said:
A proposal to deliver free licensed access via public library terminals to a wide range of research journals […] was part of the ‘balanced package’ of recommendations to expand access to published research findings via […] licensed means.
Access to Research provides:
… Licensed access via library terminals to research findings published in scholarly journals, free at the point of use [offering] a practical and immediate means of expanding access for the benefit of everyone.[1]
How does someone access the service?
They would just need to go to their local, participating public library and using a library computer visit www.accesstoresearch.org.uk. Simple!
How many libraries are currently offering the service?
We currently have 99% of UK local authorities participating in the service. That means that we have around 4000 libraries offering access to the service.
What kind of research content is most accessed by the public? Are there any trends or surprises?
Without doubt the most researched subject is history, with many people using the service to research local and regional history or assist with their genealogy research.
However, of the last 12 months the top subjects researched include engineering, sociology & social history, psychology and medicine, reflecting the diverse range of user interests.
Who typically uses the service? Are they students, independent researchers, professionals, or curious members of the public?
The service is used by everyone! Our most recent user survey confirmed that users from all backgrounds, regions, and ages are benefitting from the service.
It is, however, most popular among students and retirees, who make up over half of the overall user base.
Do you have any success stories or user anecdotes that highlight the impact of the service?
Yes.
Some of our users have kindly provided us with testimonials on how they have used the service to achieve a particular goal or assist with a project.
A Sutton Library user told us:
I am an international development worker and for my work, having Access to Research articles at the local library has been a game changer because I can design programmes based on scientific research evidence.
While a user at Leeds Central Library said:
Access to Research is an invaluable resource for my studies in nineteenth-century British literature and history. The platform provides access to a wide range of scholarly articles and journals that are essential for deepening my understanding of the Victorian era, from literary analysis to social and cultural history. As a researcher/learner, having access to such a vast collection of academic resources allows me to engage with the most current research in my field, enriching my current and future projects.
The above testimonials again do well to reflect the diverse range of user interests and research being conducted via the platform.
What kind of feedback have you received from library staff?
Overall, responses from library staff are largely positive, and it is apparent that is a clearly valued resource.
To quote a library staff member: ‘quality information freely accessible to users enhances the value and excellence of public library services.’
Do you provide training or support for frontline library staff?
We do!
It’s important to us that we work in close partnership with libraries to ensure that users of public libraries are aware of this truly unique service. So, to help libraries with this, PLS compiled a digital Tool and Marketing Kit, with material available in both English and Welsh language.
The kit provides learning resources for library staff and some marketing materials for them to use. Libraries can freely download the kit at www.pls.org.uk/access-to-research/
What kind of partnerships with publishers and organisations make this service possible?
While PLS administer the service, we can only do so successfully with the support of organisations such the Publishers Association, the Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP), and Libraries Connected.
Technology company ProQuest generously provide the Summon search tool, and content is provided to us by 20 world leading academic publishers.
This partnership makes an impressive 43 million articles available to the public, for free!
Are there any challenges in negotiating access with content providers, and how are those addressed?
I’m happy to say, no. The publishers participating in the service are committed to bridging the gap between academic research and the public.
How do you ensure the platform remains user-friendly and accessible to people with different levels of digital literacy?
The service has been specifically designed with ease of use in mind.
Using a library computer, users simply need to go to www.accesstoresearch.org.uk and from here can begin searching using the:
- article and journal title name
- journal date
- author names
- keywords
There is also an 'advanced search' tool for users wanting to provide more specific search criteria.
Searching academic journals can be daunting if you're not used to it, so we also provide Searching Journal Articles guidance for users who might need some additional help.
Are there any misconceptions about Access to Research that you’d like to clarify?
One of the most common misconceptions about Access to Research is that it is exclusively intended for academics and students. While it is true that this demographic benefits from the service, Access to Research is for anyone with a curiosity about a wide range of subjects.
This service allows anyone to explore a wealth of information across various disciplines. Whether you're a professional looking to deepen your understanding of a specific field or simply an individual with a keen interest in learning more about topics like history, science, or even niche areas such as Football Ultras, Access to Research is a resource available for you.
What developments or improvements can users look forward to in the next year or so?
Looking ahead, Access to Research is embarking on an exciting new chapter with a refreshed brand identity, reflecting its ongoing evolution and commitment to serving researchers and the public. This new look will enhance the user experience and reinforce the service's modern, accessible nature.
The future aims of Access to Research include expanding the breadth of content available, forging new partnerships to further enhance accessibility, and continuing to innovate in how research is delivered to the heart of local communities.
Anything else to add?
The continued success of Access to Research would not be at all possible without the unwavering support of our partners. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude to our participating publishers for their generous contribution of content, and ProQuest for making millions of articles freely available.
Our thanks also go to the libraries across the UK for championing Access to Research and providing the essential spaces to support learners.
Finally, we’d like to thank Access to Research users, whose curiosity and dedication to learning drive the continued growth and development of this vital service.
[1] Learned Publishing, 27: 85–92 doi:10.1087/20140202, April 2014
