Challenges of e-Science and Virtual Research Environments for Academic Libraries in Norway

Abstract

In recent years there have been huge changes in the way researchers carry out their research. New terms like e-Science, Cyberinfrastructure and Virtual Research Environment emerged. Now researchers work in more interdisciplinary and collaborative ways, they communicate virtually to a greater extent, they have to deal with an overflow of data and information, and they use different ways to publish their research outcomes. Most roles and services of academic libraries are affected by these developments. But what do e-Science and Virtual Research Environments mean for academic libraries in practice? What role should libraries play and what are the biggest challenges? These questions will be discussed, and approaches for academic libraries in Norway to support these new research practices will be presented.