Research Guide for Library Faculty: General Tips & Other Resources

Research Teams

• identify the specific role(s) of each team member—who’s doing what?
• clearly sell the strengths and contributions of each member (highlight his/her expertise)

Research Questions

• do not have too many
• must be straightforward and focused
• must be aligned with objectives and outputs

Mentorship

• highlight mentorship for junior faculty and students

Methodology

• clearly outline the research approach and analysis
• if using a new methodology, do the research (i.e., learn what it’s all about)

Community

• clearly demonstrate connections with community/target groups
• identify key knowledge users and stakeholders—how will they be engaged and involved?
• if possible, show commitment from the stakeholders/community through letters of support

Outputs

• identify all outputs—how will they be documented?
• clearly explain what and how this research will add to general body of knowledge, policy, education, etc. …
• articulate the practical implications—does the information/knowledge generalize/ transfer to a broader public/population?

Track record

• heavy focus on track record, especially publications
• include outputs other than publications

Budget

• ensure that your budget is well planned and all expenses are fully detailed and justified
• ensure the budget aligns with your proposed objectives, methods, and outcomes
• need a balance between the budget and research returns (i.e., be careful not to request too much money for very little return/value)

Other

• not only "why should this research be funded?" but also "why should this research be funded now?" (that is, what is its contemporary, immediate relevance?)
• leverage resources and expertise currently in place
• be careful with terminology—don’t annoy reviewers with incorrect, obsolete, or pejorative terms/references
• carefully consider the progression of the grant from preparation to data collection to data analysis to dissemination—is the timeline feasible?
• determine whether grant competition is the most appropriate for the research
• clearly present and outline every aspect of the application/research—a sound concept is not good enough, it must be well-presented and outlined

The University of Saskatchewan has developed guidelines for engaging an Indigenous cultural service provider. Note that these guidelines are necessarily broad, and intended to give general guidance -- any research relationship with an Indigenous individual or organization should be mutually beneficial, respectful, and based on ongoing dialogue. Building a trustful dialogue should be what enables you to work with the protocols of the specific person or organization that you are engaging.