1. Kristine Brancolini AJCU Library Deans and Directors Meeting
Administrative Support for Librarian Research: Lessons Learned from the Institute for Research Design in Librarianship (IRDL)
Kristine Brancolini AJCU Library Deans and Directors Meeting
March 19, 2018

2. Background on IRDL
In late 2010, surveyed academic librarians regarding their research experience, research confidence, and perceived barriers to conducting research
Article published in C&RL 2012*
Findings
Many academic librarians lack confidence in their research skills
LIS programs did not prepare them for research
Expected to conduct research to both improve their practice and meet the requirements of promotion and tenure
Need for continuing education; workshop preferred format
Created Institute for Research Design in Librarianship (IRDL) to address needs; two rounds of IMLS funding,
*Kennedy, M. R. & Brancolini, K. R. (2012). “Academic librarian research: A survey of attitudes, involvement, and perceived capabilities.” College & Research Libraries 73(5):

3. IRDL Goals and Objectives
Goal: Increase the number of academic librarians with specific research skills in conducting and disseminating the results of research
Objectives:
Create a year-long, research-based continuing education program for novice librarian-researchers who will complete a research project
Activities
Host a nine-day research workshop in the summer, with two instructors to provide the research curriculum and one-on-one consultation
Provide one-on-one research mentoring (added in second three-year grant)
Supplement with pre-workshop activities and ongoing support for the year

4. Addressing Librarian Needs
Foster an environment of collegiality and support in the research process
Provide instruction in areas needed to complete the research design for a project developed by each participant
Encourage the dissemination of research through publication or presentation
Instill confidence in Institute Scholars about the research process by providing clear instruction on each step

5. Role of Library Administration
Based upon existing research, library dean or director must endorse and write a letter of support applicants.
The strength/enthusiasm of the letter is considered in selection process.
In our new book (Luo, Brancolini, & Kennedy, 2017) on helping academic librarians become accomplished researchers, we draw upon research to give advice to librarians and library administrators.
Institutional support one of the most important predictors of research success/productivity.
Library deans and directors key to providing this support.

6. Challenges/Barriers
Many administrators do not themselves feel confident.
Some conducted research early in their careers.
Some do not believe it is important for librarians to conduct research.
Ample evidence to the contrary.
Assessment and evidence-based practice built on social science research methods.
Librarians change jobs and administrators leave.
If early career librarians are not thinking about research, they ought to be.
These skills are best begun in early career and developed over time. Important to create a culture of research with and for our librarians.

7. Some Recommendations [1/2]
Be explicit about your expectations regarding assessment, evidence-based practice, and research
Performance vs. professional development
Annual merit increases
Promotion and/or tenure
Assess the effectiveness of your support for these activities
Gather data on what the institution provides, what the library provides, and gaps in support
Encourage librarians to create their own support mechanisms – with your assistance

8. Some recommendations [2/2]
Effectiveness of librarian support groups tends to rise and fall; reassess periodically and be prepared to make adjustments
Just because something isn’t working anymore doesn’t mean the need is gone
Librarians regularly rank “time” as the most important commodity – flexible time, short research leave, research at work
Recognize achievements of individuals – positive reinforcement works
Do not send mixed signals; back up words with deeds

9. For additional information about IRDL: New book:
New book:
Luo, Lili, Brancolini, K.R., & Kennedy, M.R. (2017). Enhancing library and information research skills: A guide for academic librarians. Santa Barbara: ABC- CLIO/Libraries Unlimited.
See Chapter 5, “Research Support”
See Chapter 5, “Becoming a Librarian-Researcher”