Ithaka S+R Report

The Arizona State University (ASU) Library participated in an Ithaka S+R research study on Asian Studies faculty’s research practices and needs. The ASU Library is one of 19 university libraries selected to participate in the study. Among the selected libraries were Harvard University, Indiana University, UCLA University, University of Washington, Colorado University, University of Maryland, and University of Texas.  Each participating institution was responsible for interviewing 15 scholars involved in Asian Studies using a set of semi-structured interview questions. The identity of the scholars was kept anonymous. Each interview was recorded and transcribed. This local research project was implemented by Dr. Ralph Gabbard at ASU with guidance on the research methodology and data analysis provided by Ithaka S+R. The rationale for the study was as follows:

  • Asian Studies covers a diverse and vital world region that in recent decades has had major centers of both development and conflict. Although different from one another, these fields indicate the importance we place not only in traditional arts and sciences fields but also in the sciences, professions, and area studies that will continue to be important for our society and our universities. This study will generate a richly illustrated description of the field’s practices and needs and make actionable recommendations for how libraries (and others) can best support their research going forward.
  • Ithaka S+R provides research and strategic guidance to help the academic and cultural communities serve the public good and navigate economic, technological, and demographic change. In a fast-changing environment, Ithaka S+R seeks to provide effective, efficient, and sustainable systems for the creation, discovery, dissemination, and preservation of scholarship (https://www.sr.ithaka.org/)

ASU Ithaka S+R report and the final Ithaka S+R report (all 19 schools)