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.
John Latham
Director, Information Center
SLA
Tel: +1.703.647.4915
Fax: +1.703.647.4901
Web: www.sla.org