On‐demand virtual research environments and the changing roles of librarians

The aim of this paper is to discuss how new technologies for supporting scientific research will possibly influence the librarians' work.

The discussion is conducted in a context that takes into account the emergence of e‐infrastructures as means to realise a new model of producing, using and sharing information resources and even to change the concept of information resource itself. At the core of this innovation there are virtual research environments, i.e. evolved versions of the current “research libraries”.

The environments provide scientists with collaborative and customised environments supporting results production and exchange around the globe in a cost‐efficient manner. The experiences made with these innovative research environments within the D4Science project is reported.

On the basis of this experience, possible professional profiles are suggested for librarians working in these new evolved “research libraries”.