1 Join professional associations

One of the best ways to keep up with the latest research skills is to join professional associations that cater to your interests and needs. For example, if you work in an academic library, you might want to join the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), which offers publications, webinars, conferences, and networking opportunities for research librarians. Or if you work in a public library, you might want to join the Public Library Association (PLA), which provides resources, advocacy, and education for public librarians. By joining professional associations, you can access a wealth of information, learn from your peers, and stay updated on the latest developments in your field.

4 Participate in social media

Another way to keep up with the latest research skills is to participate in social media platforms that connect you with other research librarians and researchers. For example, you might want to join Twitter, where you can follow hashtags such as #librarianship, #researchskills, and #critlib, and engage with other professionals who share resources, opinions, and questions. Or you might want to join Facebook groups, such as Research Librarians Network and Research Data Management Librarians, where you can exchange information, ask for advice, and join events. By participating in social media, you can build your network, find support, and stay updated on the latest news and opportunities in your field.

5 Attend workshops and webinars

Another way to keep up with the latest research skills is to attend workshops and webinars that offer practical training and guidance for research librarians. For example, you might want to attend the Research Skills Toolkit, which is a series of workshops that cover topics such as citation management, data analysis, and digital scholarship. Or you might want to attend the ACRL e-Learning webinars, which are webinars that cover topics such as open access, information literacy, and scholarly communication. By attending workshops and webinars, you can learn from experts, enhance your skills, and interact with other participants.

6 Read journals and newsletters

Another way to keep up with the latest research skills is to read journals and newsletters that publish research, reviews, and case studies on research librarianship. For example, you might want to read the College and Research Libraries journal, which is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles on the theory and practice of research librarianship. Or you might want to read the College and Research Libraries News newsletter, which is a newsletter that publishes news, features, and columns on research librarianship. By reading journals and newsletters, you can keep up with the current research, learn from best practices, and stay aware of the challenges and opportunities in your field.