Research support for academics: case studies of two Vietnamese universities

Academics in Vietnamese universities are under increasing pressure with regard to improved research outcomes, including publications. This article reports on the findings of a research project which focused on two universities, Vietnam National University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU-HCM) in Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi University, in order to gain a rich understanding of the current state of play, the role of libraries in providing research support, and the constraints within which the various stakeholders operate. The main findings from the interviews suggest that, although researchers recognise the importance of the libraries in providing research support for students, when it comes to staff research they undervalue the roles and the activities, resources, services offered by libraries. In general they look elsewhere for support and resources. The research also identified a number of specific suggestions for the types of research activities that would prove useful.