Academic & Special Library Research Grant
The Academic & Special Library Research Grant is co-sponsored by the Academic & Special Library Section (ASLS) of the New York Library Association and the Empire State Library Network (ESLN) and provides support for research projects and the publication and/or presentation of research that promotes excellence in the field of librarianship and information sciences.
Program Description
Academic & Special Library Research Grant funds allow academic and special librarians in New York a unique opportunity to engage in scholarly research and creative activity that enhances contributions to the profession.
Grants will not be given to support an activity that is operational in nature, such as salaries or benefits for existing staff, or has only local usefulness. Both ongoing and new research projects are considered. Grants are intended to help in funding such incremental research costs as the organization of data, the hiring of interviewers or other assistants, and modest travel costs associated with research. The Grant Review Committee invites applicants to propose using any investigative methods appropriate to their research questions. These include but are not limited to standard quantitative and qualitative approaches, as well as critical evaluations, case studies, reflective essays, and (auto)ethnography. Proposals that involve collaboration between librarians and other stakeholders, such as institutional researchers, faculty, administration, students, or community partners are also welcome. Grants may not be used for staff salaries and benefits. Grants are limited to investigations related to issues in libraries, librarianship, and information science and technology.
Examples of fundable research projects:
- The Efficacy of Online Library Instruction on Student Learning Outcomes
- Historical Analysis of Library Responses to Natural Disasters
- Survey of Internet Access Policies in Correctional Facility Libraries
- Appraisal of Digital Acquisitions Processes at Small College Archives
- Historical Society & School Partnerships: Five Case Studies
- Cultivating Relationships with Underrepresented Communities: Strategies for Archives and Museums
Eligibility
Applicants must be a member of NYLA and ASLS and employed as a librarian or information professional in an organization that is a member of one of the nine library councils in the Empire State Library Network at the time of application for the grant. Grants should not be sought for tuition or other degree-related expenses.
Project Funding and Duration
The Academic & Special Library Research Grant provides up to $3,000 for 12-month projects. Funds will be awarded to a project, but distributed to either an individual or an institution. The application must note which person or institution will receive grant funds and act as fiscal agent.
Proposal Review Procedures
The Grant Review Committee consists of three (3) members of ASLS and two (2) directors of ESLN library councils.
Evaluation Rubric:
- Includes checklist of required items; grants missing any required items will not be considered
- Each section of application will have a corresponding section of the rubric, with point values assigned:
- Executive summary [3 points]
- Background of problem and statement of need [9 points]
- Project description & plan [7 points]
- Evaluation / dissemination methods [5 points]
- Budget [3 points]
- Timeline [3 points]
- Additional section of rubric with extra points to award for: Collaborative nature of project [3 points] Potential to improve library service or solve a problem in information science [3 points]
Dissemination of Findings and Reporting Requirements
Grant recipients must submit a Project Update Report midway through the project timeline.
Recipients of the grant are required to share the results of their projects in a format of their choosing. This can include (but is not limited to): a conference poster or presentation, webinar, book / book chapter, or peer-reviewed article.
Final reports or presentations of findings must be completed no later than 12 months from grant award date.
Application and Instructions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19wpBX8v2nuqf7B6YPCf96w7rCa8LxhcX6eIVxuAkPGg
Applications accepted through August 31, 2021. Grant funds will be awarded in September 2021.
Academic & Special Library Section
Outstanding Library Support Staff Award
Financial Award: $500
The Academic & Special Library Section of the New York Library Association seeks to recognize library staff and volunteers who go above and beyond the limits of the job title and who exemplify the ideal that true professionalism isn't limited to professional librarians.
Nominations:
Provide a statement for your nomination with specific examples of exceptional and/or significant contributions during the past 12 months. These should include any special service to fellow employees, patrons, or communities. Self-nominations are permitted.
Draw on specific examples in any of the following areas:
- Quality of work performed
- Dedication to job
- General attitude and demeanor
- Interpersonal and job-related skills or talents
- Adaptability to circumstances
Requirements:
Nominee must have worked or volunteered in a special or academic library in New York for the past 12 months
Submissions due October 8, 2021. Submit your application here: https://forms.gle/bn5g3ZPHuXhxUrg17.
Questions? Contact Ryan Perry at rperry@clrc.org.