From Metrics and Influence to Telling the Scientific Story: Evaluating Sea Level Rise

Abstract

Sea level rise is predicted to be one of the most studied fields in the coming decades. With some three billion people living in coastal communities around the world, sea level rise has the potential to affect nearly half the world’s population. About 40% of the US population lives in or near a coastal community (NOAA, 2020b). Although the study of sea level rise began in the late 1800s, it has gained momentum in the last 20 years. An interdisciplinary group of scientists, engineers, and geologists in diverse university departments, such as Coastal Engineering, Geological Sciences, and Urban and Regional Planning are studying the various facets of this phenomenon. This paper identifies 1) the knowledge librarians need to understand the various metrics, and 2) how librarians can partner with scientific researchers to select relevant research impact strategies that will convey a compelling scientific story. This story can lead to future grant support, promotion and tenure awards, and perhaps to scientific policy changes.