About the Award
The Research in the Workplace Award (RIWA) is co-sponsored by the HLG and the University Health and Medical Librarians Group (UHMLG). It is a biennial grant that seeks to fund small library and information professional-led workplace research projects. It aims to contribute to a research culture within the library and information community, and assist in developing our evidence base.
Projects can relate to any aspect of service provision, development or theory, and should be achievable within a twelve month period. The award can be used to fund equipment, consumables, buy-out time, purchase technical support etc.
Closing date for the 2011 award: 31st December 2011
Successful applicants will be notified by 31st January 2012
Guidance Notes for Completing Applications
Proposal Form
Useful Resources
Whilst the application form outlines the basic structure required when applying for RIWA funds, you may also find it helpful to look at one or more of the following sources.
Examples of Good Practice
The four previous winners of the Research in the Workplace Award have kindly agreed to make their applications available as examples of good practice. They are:
2008/2009: No award made
2006/7: A randomized controlled trial to determine the impact of providing a virtual reference servce (Access Specialist Knowledge - ASK) to the local Primary Care and Mental Health Trusts. (Rachel Southon and Vicki Veness, Royal Surrey County Hospitals NHS Trust and John Loy, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trusts) *** Project Withdrawn ***
2003/4: A multi-centre randomised trial comparing the effect of self-directed online learning using a web-based resource, with a classroom-based interactive workshop, on the knowledge and search skills of health professionals. (Nicola Bexon, NeLH Screenng Specialist LIbrary and Lena Nordheim, Norwegian Centre for Health Services)
2001/2002: A cross boundary managed infromation network to match the needs of a managed clinical network for cancer. (Annette Thain, NHS Education for Scotland)
1999/2000: A delphi study to determine research priorities and the corresponding evidence based in North Glasgow Hospitals. (Michelle Kirkwood, North Glasgow University Hospitlas NHS Trust)
Resources
The following books and journal articles provide general advice on how to develop a research proposal and manage the project once you receive funding.
Booth, A. & Brice, A. (2004) Evidence Based Practice: a Handbook for Information Professionals, London: Facet Publishing.
Presents a thorough introduction to the concept of evidence based library and information practice. It is divided into three parts: The Context for Evidence-based Information Practice; Skills and Resources for Evidence-based Information Practice; and Using the Evidence Base in Practice.
Eldredge, J.D. (2004) Inventory of research methods for librarianship and informatics, Journal of the Medical Library Association, 92 (1): 83-90
Presents a definition and description of different research designs including, in some instances, a resource guide on using the specific methods, and a reference to an example of the methodology being used in practice.
Gorman, G. E. Clayton, P. (1997) Qualitiative research for the information professional: a practical handbook, London: Library Assocation Publishing
"Unashamedly in the 'how to do it' mould" this book has been purposefully written with library and information professionals in mind. It uses information specific research scenarios to illustrate the application data collection techniques (observation, interviewing, group discussion and historical study), and provides advice on data analysis and writing for publication. Consideration is also given to ethical issues such as obtaining consent and assuring confidientialiity.
Moore, N. (2000) How to do Research: the Complete Guide to Designing and Managing
Research Projects, London: Library Association Publishing. 3rd edition.
Presented in two sections. The first section covers the research process e.g. developing objectives, designing the study, writing the proposal, managing the project etc., whilst section two considers types of research method e.g. qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis and desk based research.
Vaughan, L (2001) Statistical Methods for the Information Professional: a Practical, Painless Approach to Understanding, Using, and Interpreting Statisticis, New Jersey: American Association for Information Science and Technology
With an emphasis on the pracical application of statstics rather than technical detail, this book introduces basic principles of using statstics including formulating a hypothesis, analysing data (using computer software) interpreting output and reaching conclusions. It uses information science research scenarios to demonstrate the complete process of each statistical text, which include: descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation, regression and basic non-parametric tests. Aims to cater for the complete novice, as well as for those wishing to refresh their knowledge.