Research Guide for Library Faculty: Research Facilitation

Most colleges or major units on campus have a dedicated research facilitator. Research facilitation at the University of Saskatchewan promotes and supports research activities through a network of skilled professionals who help researchers, colleges/schools, and the institution obtain funding and resources, build profiles, and develop research partnerships and collaborations. Broadly speaking, the role of the research facilitator in the Library is to support librarians by assisting them in various areas of the research process from conception through to dissemination. Specific areas of support include, but are not limited to:

• articulating and developing a program of scholarship
• designing research projects
• managing research projects
• developing CVs
• publishing research
• knowledge mobilization, including community engagement
• developing grant applications, including budgets (in collaboration with the Research Services and Ethics Office)
• preparing ethics applications
• identifying and sharing knowledge about funding opportunities relevant to librarian researchers
• developing research resources for librarians (e.g. information sessions, writing circles, and workshops)

As the research facilitator, I am also happy to support research in more informal ways. Examples of this include talking through ideas, providing an extra set of eyes on a piece of writing, envisioning workplans and timelines for projects, and advocating for librarians’ research needs. Researchers should feel free to get in touch with me at any time to discuss any research-related question, concern, or idea.

I routinely hold office hours in library locations beyond my usual office, to be more accessible for informal research conversations. For the winter 2020 semester, I will be on the first floor of the Murray library on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:00. Feel free to stop by anytime!