In the educational context, the contribution of libraries is often linked to teaching and learning processes, as they manage and provide access to educational and learning resources. However, how do they advance broader institutional goals, such as supporting research and enabling the production and dissemination of knowledge?

Academic and scientific research is a key process for the development of global society. Universities, as higher education institutions responsible for generating new knowledge, are strategically guided to prioritize research as a central objective.

Within this context, university libraries play a pivotal role, connecting education and research, and serving as essential infrastructure that bolsters the research initiatives of higher education institutions.

This study examines the involvement of university libraries in research processes, emphasizing their evolving capacity to foster knowledge development and enhance academic productivity.

Through a bibliometric and systematic analysis of the literature, the research reveals that the study of university libraries and their engagement in research is a fragmented but dynamic field, characterized by the predominance of qualitative methods and case studies.

The original value of this study lies in the development of a thematic map and a thematic-temporal evolutionary scheme, which offer a comprehensive understanding of the main perspectives and themes from which the role of libraries in supporting research activities has been explored.

These tools illustrate the shift in the conceptualization of libraries, from institutional repositories and providers of electronic resources (e-resources) to active participants in fostering collaboration and becoming integral to the research lifecycle. The analysis highlights the growing significance of libraries in aiding researchers by facilitating access to information and offering specialized academic resources and services.

The study concludes with practical recommendations for future research and institutional policies. It advocates for broader and more diverse samples, the inclusion of researchers as key subjects of analysis, and the application of quantitative or mixed methods to deepen understanding. Strengthening the role of libraries within the education-research continuum will further enhance their capacity to support knowledge development in higher education. This work provides critical insights for academic stakeholders aiming to align library services with the evolving research demands of the higher education environment.

Keywords: University libraries, research processes, research support services, knowledge development, higher education, university, education.