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The Federal Government is introducing a new funding model for research in Australian higher education institutions, the Research Quality Framework (RQF). This paper provides an overview of the RQF and looks at possible impacts of the RQF on academic libraries in Australia. These impacts are drawn from experience at one Australian university, RQF-related activities, and commentary and research from the UK, where a similar funding model, the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), has been operating for a decade. The paper concludes by bringing these issues together with suggestions for academic libraries preparing for the 2008 RQF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality assessment can help a library link its services and performance to strategic university goals and priorities. A vast body of professional literature describes quality and assessment theory and practice in libraries, including comprehensive International Standards. However there is no single measure of 'goodness' for libraries, and choices must be made to ensure assessment activities are effective and sustainable. Libraries seeking to strategically demonstrate their value and proactively respond to emerging priorities have much to gain from an understanding of this field. This review article aims to highlight the features, advantages and outcomes associated with contemporary approaches to quality management and assessment, and offer sources for further exploration. International Standards are discussed, as well as specific methodologies and approaches. This review is placed in the context of current issues and opportunities for Australian academic libraries. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE * A complex range of drivers in the international higher education sector are compelling academic libraries to demonstrate their quality, value and impact. * Qualitative and quantitative assessment methods can be used to effectively collect evidence of the quality, value and impact of the library. * A range of internationally recognised frameworks can help libraries to take a holistic approach to quality assessment. * At a more targeted level, there are a wide range of relevant approaches to assessment that have been successfully used by libraries, and libraries must be strategic in their selection of methods in order to achieve the desired outcomes. * An essential outcome from assessing quality must be communicating quality to clients and stakeholders, ideally in the context of broader and strategic institutional goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study presents a conceptual model of researcher performance developed by Deakin University Library, Australia. The model aims to organize research performance data into meaningful researcher profiles, referred to as researcher typologies, which support the demonstration of research impact and value. Three dimensions shaping researcher performance are identified: researcher practices, career stage, and activity space. We argue this model serves two practical functions for Deakin Library and librarians: (a) to develop a holistic understanding of what constitutes researcher performance in the contemporary higher education environment in Australia; and (b) to translate this understanding into a service needs diagnostic tool for the development of the Research Metrics and Advisory Service (ReMAS), a strategic library service providing systematic research metrics support to Deakin researchers, schools, and faculties. We argue that both the model and its practical applications may be adapted by other academic libraries within their national and higher education contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the final article in a series examining globalisation and the role of Australian librarians in internationalising library, university, and international practice in higher education. It describes case studies of Australian academic libraries in which a successful pattern for internationalisation emerged. The conclusions of the research are discussed, and recommendations for practice and further research are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]