Review of Research Funding for LIS

Citation

Higgins, S.E. (2001), "Review of Research Funding for LIS", Library Review, Vol. 50 No. 5, pp. 258-259. https://doi.org/10.1108/lr.2001.50.5.258.5

The overall aim of the study was to provide baseline information on funding of library and information research in order to inform the work of the Commission and others who invest in such research and collaboration. The agreed project objectives were to establish the amounts spent on library and information research in the UK, the sources of that funding, the recipients of funding, and an outline of the procedures which need to be followed for accessing each funding source. It was noted that there is little consistency in the terms for awards of grants. The fragmented nature of research funding for the library and information field is eroding the infrastructure necessary to support research, and the quality of research is affected accordingly.

The Library and Information Commission (which took over the British Library’s research role in April 1999) is currently working on its own terms and conditions for the award of research grants, and this report is intended to inform the process. A total of 427 individuals were contacted in the course of the project, and chapter 2 lists the variety of funding stakeholders and methods of consultation. A number of literature searches were conducted using LISA, ERIC and the Internet to investigate what has been published on the funding of LIS research. Focus group participants contributed their insights into what is good or bad about the current situation, funding sources currently available for LIS research as well as potential sources, the main problems and issues encountered in locating and applying for funds for LIS research and how such problems should be addressed. The focus group notes make interesting reading, and the conclusions and recommendations grow out of the group’s expressed concerns.

The recommendations made to the LIC fall into the areas of funding policy, coordination of funding activities, publicising research opportunities, and support for research and measuring the success of research efforts. A major issue for new entrants into the LIS research arena is how to find out what opportunities exist. The LIC Web site will provide a means of accomplishing this. Of special note is the “Directory of funding available for LIS Research”. This is primarily for the use of researchers and potential researchers in the UK, and 59 pages of possible funding agents are given. Subject areas, amount of funding, restrictions, application procedure, criteria, dissemination contact details, telephone, fax and Web addresses are uniformly presented. Many of the funders listed here are not specific LIS research funders, but have a history of including LIS research among the initiatives that they have supported in the past.