Innovative Research for National Development: the Role of Information Professionals

Abstract

This paper highlighted the basic facts in relation to innovative research. These facts are included and not limited to various characteristics of an innovative research; various information resources; institutional digital repository (IDR), turnitin as well as the role information professionals (librarian, system analyst, archivist, library educator, library practitioner) can play towards producing innovative research(es) Address by this paper also include research process model involving seven steps; principles of good research; research methods consisting of descriptive and documentary research. Ethical issues in research work include taking precaution against harm to research participants, provision of incentives, maintaining confidentiality, avoid bias and plagiarism as well as the use appropriate research methodology. Towards producing innovative research output, the librarian is expected to select, acquire, store and make relevant information materials available for research purpose. The library educator rigorously supervise research works, system analyst and designer analyze and store the data in the system. The system analysts create database for research works for a particular organization or institution. Records manager act as the custodian of the research works. Information professionals are expected to embark on joint collaborative research with counter-parts in Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, etc. Also highlighted include research proposals consisting of several guidelines; academic research writing in relation to formal organizational structure as well as citation and referencing. Role of research in economic, social, health, technological, policy planning and implementation as well as manpower development of a nation were critically highlighted. Inadequate support by government, facilities, outlets for disseminating research findings and information explosion are the inhibiting factors to innovative research particularly in African setting. Adequate funding and motivation of researchers by the government were among the recommendations proffered by this paper.