Can a librarian safeguard the reliability of the research?

Abstract

Contemporary science struggles with misconduct and unethical behavior of scientists. Craving for fame or other benefits that the publication in a prestigious scientific journal possibly entails, gives raise to various abuses. To date, many articles emphasized the librarian’s role in combating plagiarism; it was also suggested for the librarian to be the person responsible for educating academic authors about publishing procedures and research-related ethics. He is also responsible for assisting users in selecting publications. By building up the library’s collections, cataloguing and indexing them, creating databases, the librarian notices things that a less skilled user cannot see. Can a librarian, rich in knowledge and experience, safeguard the reliability of the research? What tools should he use?