News/Announcements


 


Call for
Applicants: Concordia University Library’s Researcher-in-Residence Program


 


 


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Concordia
University is one of Canada’s most dynamic universities in one of North
America’s most livable cities. It reflects a unique blend of commitments to
diversity, accessibility, social responsibility, and innovation. With over
46,000 students (6,300 international) and nearly 1,700 full-time and part-time
professors, Concordia is recognized for offering a rich academic experience
combined with strong community engagement. 


 


This
is a time of change for Concordia University Library. A new library space was
recently inaugurated in the Grey Nuns Building. A major renovation and
expansion project is transforming the Webster Library, at the Sir George
Williams Campus (downtown), over the period of 2015 to 2017. An innovative
technology program is being developed and will contribute to enhance the
students experience in the libraries.


 


Concordia
Library recently developed a strategic plan (https://library.concordia.ca/about/plan/) for
2016-2021. Some of the highlights from the plan’s goals and objectives include:


 


	The
     transformation of service offerings to provide an outstanding user
     experience
	The
     launch of the Concordia University Press to disseminate engaging research
     in the form of open access scholarly books
	The
     creation of a platform for the preservation and dissemination of oral
     history material
	The
     promotion of research and innovation in library and information studies



 


In light of this, the newly launched Concordia Library
Researcher-in-Residence program has been created to promote research in the
library and the use of research by practitioners. The program offers the
opportunity for scholars or doctoral students to focus on an area of inquiry in
a supportive and enriching environment, and to interact with Concordia Library
staff and its resources.


 


The presence of the Researcher-in-Residence in
Concordia Library has as one of its goals to foster a culture of research. It
is hoped that throughout the residency, both the researcher and staff will
become engaged in the use of research in library practice and the concept of
evidence-based librarianship.


 


The residency period is from January 1 to December 1,
2017. Proposals which include alternative start dates and those of different
duration will also be considered.


 


For the inaugural Researcher-in-Residence program,
Concordia Library invites proposals relating to any of the Library’s strategic
plan goals as well as the following themes:


 


	The
     role of the library in a next-generation university
	The
     role of the library in the digital humanities
	Collection
     development in an increasingly connected world
	Use
     of space for learning and research
	Digital
     libraries
	Communication
     and outreach to users
	Efficacy
     of library instruction
	Professional
     development and capacity building of library staff



 


Researchers from library and information studies, as
well as other disciplines (e.g., anthropology, computer science, education,
informatics, media studies, sociology) are welcome to apply.


 


Scope


 


As part of the program, Concordia Library will
provide:


 


·        
Dedicated workspace in Concordia Library


·        
Access to computing facilities


·        
Access to library resources, print and electronic
collections, and technological infrastructure 


·        
Opportunities for the Researcher-in-Residence to
interact with Concordia Library staff 


·        
Other types of in-kind support may be made available


 


In return, the Researcher-in-Residence is expected to
participate in the intellectual life of Concordia Library. This participation
may take various forms, including:


 


·        
Presenting research in progress to staff


·        
Providing learning opportunities in the form of
seminars or workshops for a campus or library audience on topics related to
their own expertise


·        
Participating in selected activities in Concordia
Library, depending upon the relevance to their research, their expertise, and
interest. Such activities include:


·        
Committee meetings


·        
Special events


·        
Brown bag talks, seminars, round tables, or other
information sessions


·        
Concordia Library Research Forum


·        
Meeting individually with librarians and library staff
(e.g., office hour drop-ins, or by appointment)


 


Funding


 


·        
For a PhD student or postdoctoral fellow, a stipend of
$20,000, plus up to $2,500 for travel/research expenses


·        
For a faculty member on sabbatical leave, research
funds of up to $20,000 (budget required)


 


Eligibility


 


PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and full-time
members of academic staff are eligible to apply. The proposed research should
make a contribution to the knowledge base of librarianship, libraries, or
information studies. Professors and librarians preparing for a sabbatical are
encouraged to apply.


 


Application and Instructions


 


Applications should include information about the
applicant, including the expertise brought to the program:


 


·        
Letter of intent, including 


·        
a description of study / project proposal 


·        
Proposed in-library activities (outline of activities
to be undertaken during the period of residency) 


·        
Proposed research outputs


·        
Curriculum vitae


·        
Short biography (100 words)


·        
For PhD student applicants, two letters of
recommendation are also required. One of these should be from the applicant’s
doctoral supervisor. Letters of recommendation should be submitted
electronically directly by the referee.


·        
For members of academic staff, a budget should also be
included


 


Selection Criteria


 


Submissions will be evaluated by a selection committee
composed of the University Librarian and four librarians using these criteria:


 


·        
Quality and originality of the proposed research
project


·        
Demonstrated ability to complete the proposed project
based on previous accomplishments


·        
Significance of the proposed research for
librarianship, libraries, or information studies


 


Deadline


 


The application process opens April 26, 2016


 


The deadline for receiving the complete application,
letters of recommendation, is August 8, 2016 by 5:00 PM EDT. Applications may
be submitted in either English or French.


 


Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file
to Lorie Kloda, Associate University Librarian, Planning & Community
Relations, at lorie.kloda@concordia.ca 


Notification of the successful candidate will be given
in September 2016.


 


The full details of the program may also be found at: https://library.concordia.ca/about/researcher-in-residence/