The Overview of Academic Library Support for Undergraduate Research in the US and Canada: A Literature Review

Abstract

　This study provides an overview of academic library support for undergraduate research in the US and Canada based on a literature review. Undergraduate research is defined as research and inquiry conducted by undergraduate students. It arose from the experiences of universities and colleges in the US. Consequently, several countries and disciplines are paying attention to it.
　American and Canadian academic libraries offer various services for undergraduate research, such as supporting courses that promote undergraduate research; assisting in educational programs, including undergraduate research programs and honors programs; facilitating the presentation and dissemination of student works through conferences, journals, and institutional repositories; and awarding high-achieving students who used library resources for their research. Librarians act as mentors for students and collaborate with faculty and other units of their institutions. Support for undergraduate research has been linked to current trends in academic libraries, including information literacy and scholarly communication.