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SLA RESEARCH GRANT 2008
The Special Libraries Association (SLA) has posted its 2008 SLA Research Grant guidelines and application materials at www.sla.org/slaresearchgrant. SLA supports two types of proposals.
- Research projects focused on the needs and concerns of information professionals in special libraries and related venues, with its current focus being on evidence-based practice, as in the Special Libraries Association (SLA) Research Statement, “Putting Our Knowledge to Work” (www.sla.org/researchstatement). Awards may be granted up to $25,000.
- Projects which directly benefit the operations of SLA and its units, by furthering the scientific, literary and educational purpose for which the association is organized and operated. Awards may be granted up to $10,000.
This focus on evidence-based practice includes but is not limited to the following topics and approaches:
Impact of Information Professionals;
Roles of Information Professionals within organizations
Current/User Issues;
Core Competencies;
Measures of Productivity and Value;
Client/User Satisfaction Measures;
Grant applications are evaluated by SLA’s Research & Development Committee based on the purpose and objectives of the proposed project within the context of evidence-based practice, the significance of the topic to the profession, the project’s methodology, qualifications of staff, and the appropriateness of the project’s budget and timetable.
Research should focus on the demand for increased professional competence and accountability through consciously and consistently making professional-level decisions that are based on the strongest evidence of what works best for our clients. Areas in which evidence-based practice may be applied are listed in SLA’s revised Competencies for Information Professionals of the 21st Century (www.sla.org/competencies) and include selection and acquisition of information resources, methods of information access, selection and use of information technologies, and management of library and information services. Research techniques that support these competencies include: benchmarking, program evaluation, quality management, performance measurement, identifying best practices, and operations research.
The focus of Association operation projects should be on projects which directly benefit the operations of SLA and its members. They should focus on projects which can be adapted for wider use within SLA’s community, and may include publications, study grants, continuing education programs, public awareness activities, special studies and reports, and information dissemination efforts.
Application Information
The grant is announced internationally. A new solicitation for applicants is made each year. Application materials are available on SLA’s website at www.sla.org/slaresearchgrant or by contacting: Director, Information Center, Special Libraries Association, 331 S. Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3501, USA; E-mail: resources@sla.org.
Timetable
July 2008
Application materials are made available.
October 1, 2008
Deadline for submission of the proposal and application form to SLA
January 2009
Notification of award decision.