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Basic Technical IVT Commonly tested

Interdisciplinary Research Support

noun phrase

Pronunciation: /ˌɪntərˌdɪsəˈplɪnɛri ˈriːsɜrʧ səˈpɔrt/

Library services designed to facilitate collaborative research across multiple academic disciplines by providing integrated information resources, consultation, and infrastructure. These services help researchers navigate diverse information sources and methodologies from varied fields.

Plain English

Library help for research projects that combine multiple academic fields.

Etymology & History

Origin languageLatin, English
Rootinter (Latin: between) + disciplinary (Latin disciplina: instruction) + research (Middle French recerchier) + support (Latin supportare)
First recorded use1980s
Usage frequencyCommon

Usage

"The library expanded interdisciplinary research support to assist the new environmental science initiative."

Style guide notes: Use 'interdisciplinary' when fields genuinely integrate; use 'multidisciplinary' for parallel approaches.

Also known as

cross-disciplinary assistance multidisciplinary research support

Contrasted with

discipline-specific services siloed subject support

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes interdisciplinary research support different from subject librarians?

It focuses on bridging multiple fields rather than deep expertise in single disciplines.

How do libraries coordinate interdisciplinary resource access?

Through shared collections, collaborative subject liaisons, and integrated discovery systems.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Important for assessing librarians' ability to serve complex research needs across institutional priorities.

Required skill level: Mid

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