Scholarly communication can be defined as the system through which research and other scholarly writings are created, evaluated, edited, formatted, distributed, and made accessible to the academic community and the public. This involves a broad array of activities including publishing in academic journals, presenting at conferences, sharing data sets, and engaging in public discourse.
Some key aspects of scholarly communication include:
Creation of scholarly works: This refers to the process by which researchers and scholars generate new knowledge, insights, and ideas through original research, analysis, and writing.
Peer review: Scholarly works typically undergo a rigorous peer review process, where the work is evaluated by other experts in the field for quality, validity, and contribution to the existing body of knowledge.
Publication: Scholarly works are then published, usually in academic journals, books, conference proceedings, or other forms of academic literature, to disseminate the research findings and ideas to the wider academic community.
Distribution and access: The published works are then made available through various channels, such as academic libraries, online databases, and open-access repositories, to facilitate access and use by researchers, students, and other interested parties.
Preservation and archiving: Scholarly communication also involves the long-term preservation and archiving of scholarly works to ensure their continued availability and accessibility for future generations of researchers.
The scholarly communication system plays a crucial role in the advancement of knowledge, the validation of research findings, and the dissemination of information within the academic community and beyond. It is a complex and evolving system that is influenced by factors such as technological advancements, funding policies, and changing models of scholarly publishing.
Our Mission
At NUST Library, we are committed to supporting and enhancing the scholarly communication ecosystem. By providing resources, guidance, and tools, we strive to facilitate the effective dissemination and preservation of scholarly work.
Services We Offer
- Open Access Support
Guidance on publishing in open access journals.
Useful Links
Journal evaluation is rubric Journal Evaluation Tool (lmu.edu)
Assistance with depositing research outputs in institutional repositories. The National University of Science and Technology has an Institutional Repository available HERE
Information on funding opportunities for open access publishing.
Link to Directory of Open Access Journals Directory of Open Access Journals – DOAJ
- Research Data Management
Support with data management planning.
Assistance with data sharing and preservation.
Workshops on best practices for data management.
- Digital Scholarship
Tools and training for digital research methods.
Support for digital humanities projects.
Consultation on digital publishing platforms.
- Copyright and Licensing
Advice on copyright issues related to scholarly publishing.
Guidance on Creative Commons licensing. Insert Homepage – Creative Commons
Workshops on intellectual property rights.
- Metrics and Impact
Assistance with understanding and using bibliometrics and altmetrics.
Tools for tracking and enhancing research impact.
Workshops on citation analysis and impact measurement.
Get Involved
Workshops and Training
We offer a variety of workshops and training sessions throughout the year on topics such as open access, data management, and digital tools for research.
Consultations
Our team is available for one-on-one consultations to discuss your specific scholarly communication needs. Schedule a meeting with one of our experts here.
Resources and Guides
Explore our comprehensive guides and resources on scholarly communication topics.
Contact Us
For more information or to get involved, please contact our Scholarly Communication team at judah.marowa@nust.ac.zw or visit us at the University Library.
By supporting the diverse needs of our academic community, NUST Library aims to advance the frontiers of knowledge and ensure that scholarly work reaches its widest possible audience.