USask Library Research Collective

The Research Collective supports a culture of research excellence within the USask Library. Tenured and tenure-track library faculty are required to develop a program of research to meet the university standards for tenure and promotion, but research conducted in an academic library can include many things. The Collective encourages and supports research across the library, whether it be conducting individual research projects, improving library services, or evaluating professional practice.

Programs and offerings

Research mentorship program

The mentorship program connects USask library faculty with mentors to help them develop and sustain their program of research. It also offers a supportive environment for library faculty to discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies with respect to their research.

The Collective:

Supports mentee in developing an outline of their program of research
Assists mentee in identifying suitable mentors that align with their program of research
Formally invites mentors to serve in that capacity and acknowledge their contributions to the mentorship program
Checks in with mentee and mentors to ensure a productive and useful mentorship relationship
Shares relevant research training programs (e.g., workshops, modules, courses), Research Collective events, funding opportunities, and opportunities to present research

Learn more about the Research Mentorship Program

Microgrant program

The Collective has a mission to support a culture of research in the library. One of the Collective’s objectives is to develop and distribute resources to help library faculty with their research processes. Another is to report our annual research efforts to the Research, Scholarly and Artistic Work Committee of University Council (RSAW). To combine these two objectives, the Collective has established a one-time micro-grant program for 2024-25 for Usask Library faculty to supplement their existing research funds.

Training

The Collective coordinates training opportunities for library faculty and staff to build research capacity in our institution. Training opportunities available for USask library employees in 2025 include:

OCAP training through the First Nations Information Governance Centre
Survey design through the Canadian Hub for Applied and Social Research (CHASR)

Peer reviewed LIS journals

Taking over from the Centre for Evidence Based Library and Information Science (C-EBLIP), we now host the list of peer-reviewed LIS journals to help librarian and archivist researchers identify reputable journals in their field.

This information is maintained by Kristin Hoffmann and was originally created with Selinda Berg. The list is current to January 2024.

Peer reviewed LIS journals