Impact Factor : 6.225 
PAPER ID:IJIM/V.7(II)/21-26/5
AUTHOR: Rajinder Kaur
TITLE: FROM INFORMATION GATEKEEPERS TO RESEARCH ENABLERS: INNOVATIVE LIBRARY SERVICES SUPPORTING RESEARCH PRODUCTIVITY
ABSTRACT: : In the evolving landscape of higher education and scholarly communication, libraries are undergoing a significant transformation from traditional information gatekeepers to dynamic enablers of research. With the increasing emphasis on quality research, innovation, and academic excellence, libraries are now integral to every stage of the research lifecycle, from the formulation of research ideas to the dissemination of findings. This paper explores the emerging role of academic libraries in supporting and enhancing research productivity through a range of innovative services. These include literature search assistance, citation and reference management tools, plagiarism detection support, open access publishing guidance, research data management, and scholarly communication support. Additionally, libraries are offering personalized research consultations, training workshops, subject-specific research guides, and current awareness services tailored to the evolving needs of researchers.
As research support services become more specialized, the role of library professionals is also shifting. New competencies are required to manage digital resources, curate institutional repositories, interpret citation metrics, and navigate complex information systems. The implementation of these services necessitates not only technological upgrades but also continuous professional development and collaboration among librarians, faculty, researchers, and academic administrators. This study highlights the strategic value of integrating research support services into the core functions of libraries. It emphasizes the need for proactive engagement, service innovation, and cross-functional collaboration to meet the growing demands of the research community
KEYWORDS: Academic libraries, Research support services (RSS), Role of libraries in research, Academic research lifecycle, Higher education & innovation, Library transformation