Xiao Zeng

University of Houston Libraries welcomes Xiao Zeng as the new open publishing librarian.

Please describe your role. How does your work align with the student success and research productivity focus of the University?

My primary focus is to grow student success and enhance research productivity at the University. I oversee the UH Institutional Repository and the Vireo electronic thesis and dissertation management system, which provide seamless access for students and faculty to showcase their academic work. By offering specialized support in open access publishing and guiding our community through publisher agreements, I empower researchers to understand their rights and amplify their scholarly impact.

Collaboration plays a crucial role in my responsibilities. I work closely with various departments and research centers, including the Division of Research and the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Data Science Institute, to tackle emerging publishing challenges. Initiatives like Cougar ROAR and our open monograph publishing efforts ensure that our research outputs are accessible to a global audience, thereby advancing the University’s mission of knowledge dissemination and supporting the academic and research endeavors of our community.

Please share a bit about your background and professional interests. How do these inspire and shape your approach as a librarian?

I earned a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), followed by a Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MSLIS) from the same institution. My academic experiences have cultivated a strong appreciation for interdisciplinary studies and the fusion of diverse fields of knowledge. While serving as a graduate assistant at UIUC, I developed a deep interest in how library tools and current trends can facilitate research and improve information access. This background heavily influences my approach as a librarian, where I emphasize understanding users’ information-seeking behaviors and analyzing their needs to fill gaps in library research services.

Personally, I am passionate about supporting both students and faculty to succeed in their academic and research pursuits, especially in the areas of open access, scholarly publishing, and information management. My goal is to nurture a supportive environment that promotes information literacy and equitable resource access. My experiences inspire me to be an active librarian who encourages collaboration and seeks to improve educational and research outcomes across various disciplines. By bridging the divide between library services and user needs, I aim to ensure that our community has the tools and resources necessary to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape.

What are one or two things you’d like faculty, students, and scholars to know about the function of open publishing in Research Services?

One critical aspect of open publishing in Research Services is its role in enhancing the accessibility and visibility of research outputs. By supporting open access, we encourage faculty, students, and scholars to share their work with a global audience free from paywalls, prompting greater collaboration and knowledge sharing. This approach not only elevates individual research but also aligns with the University’s mission of furthering education and public understanding.

Moreover, we offer wide support throughout the publishing process, including guidance on navigating publisher agreements, exploring open access options, and ensuring compliance with funder policies. This extensive assistance empowers our academic community to make informed decisions about their publications, ultimately boosting their research impact and helping them succeed in their scholarly pursuits.

Visit Research Support to learn more about UH Libraries’ research services.