[Asis-l] Announcement: SLA Research Grant 2008

[Carolyn Sosnowski]

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 at 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.

 
____________________________________

Posted by:

Carolyn J. Sosnowski, MLIS
Information Specialist
SLA
331 S. Patrick St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-3501 USA
Tel: +1.703.647.4914  Fax: +1.703.647.4901
www.sla.org
csosnowski at sla.org
________________________
 
Dow Jones & Company, Inc., is the exclusive sponsor of SLA's Information
Center.
Knowledge Age Partner.
www.factiva.com
 
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