Institute of Museum and Library Services, Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Grant, continuing education, 2014-2016. RE-06-13-0060-13

Academic and research librarians and their institutions derive well-established benefits from librarians conducting research: progress toward gaining promotion, tenure, and higher salaries; advancement in the profession and recognition; receptivity to change; increased skill in managing complex library operations through systematic study; and better service to and empathy with faculty researchers. We know, however, that these librarians may not be well positioned to conduct research, resulting from any number of barriers. We aim to remove some of the noted barriers (reported lack of time to complete a research project, unfamiliarity with the research process, lack of support for research (both moral and monetary), lack of confidence, discouraging jargon, inadequate education in research methods) with the creation of the Institute for Research Design in Librarianship.