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    UiTM and Elsevier BV sign MoU to establish first SciVal lab in Malaysia

    The Faculty of Information Management (FPM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Elsevier BV recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) via an online ceremony on 1 July 2021.

    The MoU aims for smart partnership endeavour through the establishment of the first bibliometrics facility, known as “SciVal Lab”, in Malaysia. The Lab establishment is fundamental to maximize the upskilling of professional librarians and information professionals, to enhance their personal capabilities as well as to become the prominent education and training hub while creating a network of cooperation and communication between the two parties.

    The “SciVal Lab” as the first UiTM-based bibliometrics facility, is expected to expedite the establishment of UiTM as a Globally Renowned University of Science, Technology, Humanities and Entrepreneurship. The initiative will be the catalyst to the development of cutting-edge curricular, innovative and impactful research and publication in library and information analytics.

    Professor Ts Dr Roziah Mohd Janor, Vice Chancellor of UiTM, applauds the move made by the Faculty of Information Management. She strongly believes that the Information Management students and academic staff are able to benefit the most from the Lab training sessions, add value to their information analytics learning experiences, and increase the graduates’ competitiveness and employability.

    The moment cherishes the Elsevier Director of Research Intelligence, Ms Yoshiko Kakita. She states, “Elsevier is thrilled to have entered this partnership with UiTM as we believe that the knowledge and skills gained through the study of bibliometric analyses will benefit libraries, institutions, researchers and society-at-large. We’re privileged to be in the position to transfer this knowledge to UiTM and facilitate the responsible use of research analytics using SciVal.”

    Mr Alexander van Servellen, Senior Consultant of Research Intelligence at Elsevier, has similar expectations. He expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to help establish the “SciVal Lab,” and plans to train future librarians and information professionals in the core knowledge and skills of “bibliometric research analytics.”

    Dr. Zuraidah Abdul Manaf, a Professor of Information Management and a staunch advocate of bibliometrics, emphasized the expanding roles of librarians in assisting scholars across the country by providing quality analytical services using bibliometrics tools.

    The signed MOU commits FPM, UiTM and Elsevier BV to develop a data analysis learning module based on the SciVal database. These modules will be incorporated into the curriculum of the library science programs offered by UiTM.

    In addition, advanced training modules for working librarians and information professionals will be made available. The two-year collaboration is expected to produce more bibliometric analysis experts.