Scientific Consulting on the Management of Research Data in the Operations of a Higher Education Institution Library

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe the typical aspects of the concept of “scientific consulting” and to identify opportunities for its terminological application in library practice regarding research data management. Research Methods. General scientific methods of inquiry (analysis, synthesis, abstraction) were employed, as well as specialized methods: semantic and comparative analysis – to compare the meanings of terms; terminological and content analysis – to examine scientific texts and documents; the hypothetical method – to justify the appropriateness of using the term “scientific consulting” to describe the activities of higher education institution (HEI) library specialists in the field of scientometrics and in supporting the publication activities of members of the academic community. The scientific novelty lies in the conceptualization of the term “scientific consulting” in the context of library activities at institutions of higher education. A definition of the concept of “scientific consulting in higher education institution libraries” is proposed as an activity involving the provision of expert advice to the academic community in the areas of publication activity, research data management, and the implementation of Open Science principles; directions for the practical implementation of scientific consulting in the library environment (information-analytical, scientometric, educational-consulting) are identified. Conclusions. In the context of the development of the Open Science concept and the spread of open access practices, the role of higher education institution libraries as actors in scientific communication and partners of the academic community in providing scientometric support and managing research data is growing. The concept of “scientific consulting,” traditionally applied in the business sector, should be extended to library practice, as the activities of higher education institution (HEI) library specialists in advising researchers, supporting their publication efforts, creating scholarly profiles, and ensuring research data management align with its essential characteristics. Scientific consulting in higher education institution libraries is a component of scientific and methodological activities that integrates the library’s informational-analytical, educational-consulting, and communication functions, thereby enhancing its status as an institution supporting scientific research. Competencies in the field of academic consulting should become an important part of the professional training of library specialists, as they ensure their adaptability in the modern information environment and contribute to the transformation of the library into an open, innovative space for academic collaboration.