19.01.2018
A “lab report” – on the launch of TIB Labs
« (…) But why does TIB – why do libraries – need laboratories at all?
When we think of laboratories, we think of facilities characterised by active research and scientific breakthroughs: the first description of nucleic acid by Friedrich Miescher, the observation of radioactivity by the Curies or Alexander Fleming’s chance discovery of penicillin. Laboratories epitomise cutting-edge research, innovation and scientific discoveries resulting from meticulous experiments and test runs.
Libraries, on the other hand, are more likely to be associated with preserving our cultural heritage and providing information resources. Being infrastructural facilities, libraries fundamentally support research and science. But we rarely associate experimentation, research activities and scientific discoveries with libraries themselves.
However, this perception does not do justice to modern libraries. Especially against the backdrop of the digital revolution, many libraries have turned out to be innovative and versatile players in the field of application-oriented research. By conducting their own research and development projects, libraries establish innovative services and infrastructures that support science and education. As such, libraries are helping to drive the ongoing transition to more digital, open and sustainable science. (…) »
