The LIRG Committee invites applications for the LIRG Research Award 2023. Closing date for applications is 15th May 2023.

About the LIRG Research Award 2023

The award designed to fund a small project with the aim of identifying the most important and answerable research questions for UK library practice.

In 2008 the Medical Library Association (MLA) undertook a group consensus project to develop a research agenda based on the most important and answerable questions. (Eldredge et al. 2009) A similar study of Swedish librarianship research needs was also conducted in 2008. (Maceviciute and Wilson 2009)  This LIRG research award will update previous research by identifying current and future priority areas for library practitioner research. The results of the project will support research funders and researchers focus their time and funds on questions likely to be of high impact and value to the library and information science community. Without agreed priorities for library research there is a risk of ‘research waste’ where research is funded that is straightforward to do, but has low value to library practitioners and library users.

The award of up to £3000 is open to UK-based applicants with relevant experience or expertise in the library and information profession. Payment will be staggered with funding at the start of the project and the end when the research is accepted for publication in the Library and Information Research (LIR) journal.

The project should use appropriate research methods such as (but not limited to) the consensus methods detailed in research questions and needs studies by Eldredge et al. 2009 and Maceviciute and Wilson 2009.

The project should be completed within a maximum of twelve month period. The project report should be in the form of journal article for the LIR journal. We strongly encourage additional forms of dissemination to reach a wide library practitioner audience e.g. infographic, short video, webinar (online presentation at LIRG event).

The award can be used to fund appropriate research costs e.g. staff time, consumables, travel, licences.

How to apply

Download the application guidance notes and application form or contact Judy Wright, LIRG Awards Co-ordinator.

The submission deadline for the LIRG research award is 15th May 2023. The submission outcome is expected by the end of May with an anticipated project start date in July 2023.

For guidance on writing a research proposal see:

Eve J. Writing a research proposal: planning and communicating your research ideas effectively. Library and Information Research. 2008;32(102):18-28. https://lirgjournal.org.uk/index.php/lir/article/download/92/136

References

Eldredge, J.D., Harris, M.R. and Ascher, M.T., 2009. Defining the Medical Library Association research agenda: methodology and final results from a consensus process. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 97(3), p.178.

Maceviciute, E. & Wilson, T. D. (2009). A Delphi investigation into the research needs in Swedish librarianship. Information Research, 14 (4), paper 419. http://www.informationr.net/ir/index.html