OCLC/ALISE LISRG (Library and Information Science Research Grant) Program

Previous Winners

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Incorporated and OCLC Research in collaboration with the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) announce the Library and Information Science Research Grant (LISRG) program for 2014 and invite research proposals.

In recognition of the importance of research to the advancement of librarianship and information science, OCLC and ALISE promote independent research that helps librarians integrate new technologies into areas of traditional competence and contributes to a better understanding of the library environment.

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Program Description

In recognition of the importance of research to the advancement of librarianship and information science, OCLC and ALISE promote independent research that helps librarians integrate new technologies into areas of traditional competence and contributes to a better understanding of the library environment.

Publication of Findings

As a condition of the grant, researchers must furnish OCLC a final project report within 60 days of  the completion date indicated on proposal cover page. OCLC and ALISE may elect to publish and distribute all or portions of the report without restriction. Researchers must include, or cause to be included, recognition of the OCLC/ALISE LISRGP grant in all publications of research results from the LISRGP-funded project. The results of the research must be nonproprietary and in the public domain.

Eligibility

Full-time academic faculty (or equivalent) in schools of library and information science are eligible to apply. OCLC and ALISE encourage international proposals and collaborative projects under this program. Proposals must be signed by the principal investigator, by the dean/director (or equivalent) of the school, and by an authorized official of the university.

Proposal Review Procedures

Proposals are evaluated by a panel selected by OCLC and ALISE. Occasionally, proposals may be distributed to additional expert reviewers selected by OCLC and ALISE who may advise the panel. The panel's recommendations are forwarded to the vice president of OCLC Research, for final review and funding decisions. The decisions of the vice president of OCLC Research are final.

Reviewers consider the following criteria, among others, when evaluating proposals:

• Does the proposal meet the formal criteria as laid out in the Call for Proposals? Proposals not meeting formal criteria will not be further evaluated and will not be funded. This includes length of proposal, margin and font-size specifications, presence of requested signatures, eligibility of requesting institution, presence of budget and description of role of all investigators.
• Is the project clearly described, the problem well defined, and the research objectives clearly stated?
• Is there sufficient review of literature?
• Is the proposed methodology appropriate and are the investigative procedures clearly explained?
• What is the significance of the proposed research to either the library and information science community as a whole or to OCLC specifically?
• Are sufficient resources available? Do the people proposing the research appear capable of conducting the research? Is institutional commitment to support the project apparent?

To aid new researchers, priority will be given when possible to proposals from junior faculty and applicants who have not previously received LISRGP funds. When a decision to award a grant has been made, a research project monitor is assigned by OCLC Research. The research project monitor serves as the point of contact for the LISRGP recipient during the duration of the project.

Application Procedures

To apply, complete and submit the following:

• OCLC/ALISE LISRG proposal cover page (PDF:25K/1pp.). The principal investigator, dean/director (or equivalent) of the school, and an authorized official of the university must sign the proposal cover page.
• A research proposal (see #5, formatting instructions). The proposal should:
• • Describe the nature, scope, and method of the proposed research
  • Explain why the research is innovative through reference to related research reported in the literature
  • Propose the anticipated significance of the research to library and information science
  • Identify methods that will be used to measure the success of the project
  • Suggest future research based on the anticipated results of the project
  • Briefly note dissemination plans
• Detailed budget in US dollars that clearly identifies the funding requested and identifies institutional cost sharing. Equipment and travel requests must be explicitly justified.
• Additional supporting materials such as curricula vitae of project staff, bibliography, project schedule, letters of support. The role and contribution of all investigators should be clearly specified.
• The proposal, budget and supporting materials should be double-spaced, with a .5" margin minimum and a minimum 10-point font. Applicants should take care that proposals are complete, including cover page, budget, and supporting materials described above, and do not exceed 20 pages.

Submitting an Application

Submit your application electronically. Click here for the online submission form and instructions.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 your local time on September 15, 2013. Receipt will be acknowledged. Late applications will be disqualified.

Grant recipients will be notified prior to the ALISE 2014 National Conference and announced at the Conference.

Previous recipients and final papers are available at: http://www.oclc.org/research/grants/awarded.htm.

ALISE is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote excellence in research, teaching, and service for library and information science education.

 Previous Recipients

 Last Updated 4/3/2013