Nowadays public libraries are rarely viewed as a space for researchers. Digitalization and the Open Science movement are the prime drivers which have changed the situation. Thus, in 2020 a new space for researchers will open in the Library for Foreign Literature, Moscow. Although it\u2019s a public, not an academic library, we hope it will further enhance citizen science. Moreover, research spaces in public libraries can be used for advocating interests of libraries in a variety of ways.<\/p>\n
Information literacy for everybody<\/strong> Research for everybody<\/strong> Academic reading for everybody Mikhail Shepel
\nResearch Commons are places where librarians can show how useful they can be for the digital era natives. It is information literacy that is the most important skill for those working with electronic information. In terms of lifelong learning, everybody needs basic research skills to find, evaluate and quote information sources correctly.<\/p>\n
\nResearch Commons in public libraries offer the local community a great opportunity to connect with\u00a0the world trends in research. That could be a great contribution to popularization of science. Besides, among services available in Research Commons there will be
\nscientometrics, grant and conference searching, as well as academic reading and writing services. These services will show how essential librarians\u2019 assistance can be, particularly their searching skills.<\/p>\n
\nAlso, it\u2019s a great opportunity for libraries\u2019 partners to promote their collections and to make their electronic resources globally visible. The general public will have access to unique resources, which universities and academies normally don\u2019t have. Combining science, education, library and business in one place will have a positive effect upon scholarly communication. And that\u2019s how the ecosystem of
\nopen science is being created. We are very thankful to our partners Elsevier and Proquest, who have started creating the Research Commons together with us.<\/p>\n
\nDirector General
\nRudomino All Russia State Library for Foreign Literature
\nRussian Federation<\/p>\n