In-Depth Guide: Special Libraries

​Special libraries are defined by their specialized collections, tailored services, and focused user groups. In these environments, supporting research methods and scholarly communication often involves deep knowledge in particular subjects, close collaboration with users, and specialized resource management.

​1. Specialized Research Support

  • Tailored Resource Curation: Assembling specialized resources that cater precisely to the unique needs of the user base, often in niche areas.
  • Expert Searches: Conducting high-level research inquiries utilizing advanced subject knowledge and specialized databases.

​2. Scholarly Communication Platforms

  • Subject-Specific Repositories: Creating and managing digital repositories that house unique scholarly materials, including grey literature and specialized datasets.
  • Conference and Symposium Support: Assisting in the planning and hosting of scholarly events that are focused on the library’s area of specialization.

​3. Preservation of Unique Collections

  • Digital Preservation: Implementing strategies to digitize and preserve rare or unique materials for long-term access.
  • Archival Management: Maintaining archival standards for special collections, which can include rare books, manuscripts, photographs, or historical records.

4. Information Synthesis and Dissemination

  • Research Synopses: Providing digests or summaries of complex research materials to assist users in quickly understanding key findings.
  • Customized Alerts and Bulletins: Offering personalized updates on new research findings, publications, or industry news relevant to the special library’s focus.

5. Instruction and Consultation

  • Information Literacy Instruction: Offering workshops or one-on-one consultations to educate users on effective research strategies specific to the library’s collection.
  • Methodological Advice: Providing guidance on appropriate research methodologies for unique types of inquiries or data.

​6. Collaborative Research Initiatives

  • Partnership Building: Establishing partnerships with other institutions or special libraries to collaborate on research projects or share resources.
  • Grant Support Services: Assisting users in finding and applying for research grants, as well as managing awarded funds for resource acquisition.

7. User-Centred Services

  • Research Concierge Services: Delivering high-touch, customized research assistance, often for a small and well-defined user group.
  • Technology-Leveraged Access: Utilizing the latest technologies to provide remote access to collections and resources, crucial for specialized researchers.

​8. Scholarly Publishing Support

  • Publication Guidance: Offering editorial support, advice on publication strategies, and assistance with open-access compliance.
  • Citation Management: Providing and supporting citation management tools tailored to the specialized content and formats used by the library’s users.

​9. Ethics and Compliance

  • Ethical Standards Enforcement: Advising on and monitoring compliance with ethical standards in research, which can be particularly stringent in specialized fields.
  • Regulatory Guidance: Staying abreast of and providing guidance on regulations and standards that impact research in specialized areas.

​10. Innovation and Trends

  • Emerging Trends Analysis: Tracking and analyzing new developments in the field to inform the library’s services and collection development.
  • Research Technology Integration: Incorporating new research technologies, like virtual reality or artificial intelligence, to advance the library’s research capabilities.
In special libraries, research methods and scholarly communication practices are highly tailored to the specific subject domain and user community. This guide helps to ensure that the specialized services provided are at the forefront of research and scholarly endeavours, offering unique value and support to their users.