When technology transforms research methodology: the role of librarians in reforming the curriculum

An ever‐growing body of electronic information resources is gradually making traditional research methodologies obsolete and transforming the ways in which students learn how research is carried out in their chosen fields of study. A clear example can be found in the case of Asian studies. Many areas of Asian studies traditionally have depended upon complex, printed bibliographic tools that could only be used by researchers who possessed both a mastery of Asian languages and an in‐depth understanding of the historical timelines and literary traditions of Asia. Students have acquired these research skills and methodologies through semester‐long courses and, in some cases, advanced specialized degrees. Until recently, responsibility for the teaching of such techniques and methodologies to students belonged almost exclusively to the teaching faculty of the discipline. Over the past few years, however, the increased availability of electronic research resources in Asian studies is transforming what students need to know about conducting research. This situation provides an unprecedented opportunity for campus librarians to participate in reforming the curricula for a new generation of Asian studies scholars.