The hidden research power of librarians at small research-intensive universities

Universities often see librarians as research support rather than as researchers. In research-intensive institutions, however, librarians work across disciplines, engage directly with data, methods and scholarly communication, and gain a practical view of how research cultures operate. 

In small research-intensive universities, this positioning can be compelling. Resources may be limited, but proximity to faculty, students and institutional decision-making creates opportunities for librarians to contribute to research initiatives meaningfully. 

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However, the opportunities of the role are not always immediately visible, particularly to early career librarians with multiple responsibilities. My understandings of research development, mentorship and leadership have been shaped by experiences of uncertainty, false starts and learning through failure. In sharing these insights, perhaps it will help those seeking to build research confidence, contribute to institutional research culture, and see their work recognised.

Tips for developing a research career at a small research-intensive university

1. Identify your expertise and lean in

Not all librarians do the same thing, despite the common perception. In fact, no two academic librarians at small universities have identical roles. In some circumstances, they are considered generalists, with multiple roles and responsibilities. Covering many subjects in a liaison area as well as functional responsibilities requires patience, resilience and flexibility. 

The challenge, and possibly an opportunity, is to recognise and articulate your own area of strength within that complexity. You do not need a narrowly defined role to develop expertise. What matters is identifying which aspects of your work you are most drawn to and where you add value.

Identifying your area of expertise can be frustrating, especially when resources are limited and roles are loosely defined. If you find yourself in this situation, ask colleagues what they value most about your contributions. The answers might reveal insights and patterns you have not considered. For example, if your role centres on teaching and learning, you are an expert in information literacy. If you support research workflows, you may already be working in bibliometrics, scholarly communication or research systems.

As for research interests, if you are passionate about advancing the research in your field of practice, fantastic, but sometimes this isn’t where your research interests lie and that is perfectly fine (as long as that is supported by your institutional library’s scholarly expectations).

2. Make connections

Due to size alone, small institutions make it easier to find connections within that community. Look for researchers whose interests intersect with your expertise, whether in education, scholarly communication, data, systems, media or health. Librarians bring a distinctive perspective grounded in method, evidence and practice. That perspective can strengthen grant applications, shape research design and contribute meaningfully to institutional research culture. By the very nature of their size, small universities can provide opportunities to connect with local researchers that may not always be as feasible at larger institutions. Joining projects, even ones that push you out of your comfort zone, can become the foundation of long-lasting relationships with researchers.

3. Take chances

Be courageous and step out of your comfort zones. As clichéd as that is, it’s true. Join research committees, explore educational scholarship and applied methodologies, attend research talks, and don’t be afraid to try and try again. You may join a research project only to find out that the topic or method or even the people are not of interest to you, but you tried. No effort is wasted because you learned what you don’t enjoy, what didn’t work or what could be improved upon. “Failure” is alive and well in academia; we just don’t like to talk about it. 

4. Find a mentor

As with most aspects of a university career, mentors can be the champions you need to connect you with people and projects. Attend local knowledge-mobilisation events; be visible. When asked what your interests are, be honest that you are forging a new path. Transparency in your journey allows for conversation about your ideas and passions. Share the skills you want to develop and the outcomes you hope to achieve. This will lead to mentorship, maybe not directly with them, but with someone they might connect you with. You will find someone that will engage you in projects. 

5. Context matters

Becoming a research librarian can involve detours, unanticipated obstacles and at times failure. Working at a small research-intensive university provides opportunities to work alongside researchers in various ways outside research alone. When researchers are not isolated somewhere 10 buildings over from the library, it is easier to run into them in the hall or in the cafeteria queue. You may develop connections outside the institution. Small universities are often in smaller, close-knit communities where everyone’s children attend the same school or play on the same sports teams. These connection points are valuable in building relationships that can bring meaningful direction to a research career.

One final note

Being a librarian at a small research-intensive university allowed me to create close, meaningful relationships and to find mentors who gave me the space to grow as a researcher. This was not a clear path for me, but one that I navigated with guidance from others. Pursuing sketchy maps, falling down rabbit holes and exploring unmarked paths are the benefits of belonging to a small institution that provides a safe space to explore research opportunities. My wish for early career librarians is for them to have the confidence to find and carve out their own paths and to see their small research-intensive university as a place to have a successful and meaningful research career. 

Trina Fyfe is the university librarian at the University of Northern British Columbia, Canada.

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