CARLI Research Funding Program

CARLI has launched a Research Funding Program for Fiscal Year 2021. Approved by the CARLI Board of Directors at their December 2019 meeting, this program provides funding to CARLI Governing Member Library staff and faculty with the intention of spurring research and innovation that support the CARLI Strategic Priorities.

Important Dates and Deadlines: Fiscal Year 2021 Program

FY 2021 Funded Projects

Program Purpose

The purpose of the Research Funding Program is to encourage innovation of benefit to CARLI by assisting members with funds for research and publication that support the CARLI Strategic Priorities. Projects should have the potential to positively affect libraries and the library profession; have the potential to provide a useful addition to the existing literature; and results of the research should be of interest to or of use by other CARLI Governing Member Libraries.

Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant must be currently employed by a CARLI Governing Member Library.
• The project must be conducted in the library and information science field.
• Proposals will be accepted from both individuals and those working collaboratively with others in their own organization or other CARLI Governing Member Libraries.

Application and Selection

• The program does not have an application form.
• To apply, the applicant must submit a complete proposal to CARLI.
• Proposals will be read, scored, and ranked by a task force of CARLI Board of Directors members and CARLI staff.
  • Following application submission but before final selection, CARLI may request a revised proposal.
  • Final selection of funded proposals rests with the CARLI Board of Directors.
• A complete proposal must include:
  1. A ten-page maximum proposal narrative with these components:
     
     • project title
     • description of the proposed research project including methodology and scope;
     • work plan for accomplishing this project;
     • projected outcomes in support of the CARLI Strategic Priorities;
     • evaluation plan;
     • statement describing how this project fits into the existing literature;
     • statement outlining how this project will benefit the Illinois library community and the broader profession;
     • dissemination plan for how the results of the project will be shared; and
     • name and complete contact information for the primary project liaison.
       • For collaborative projects, name and complete contact information for one primary contact at each participating Governing Member Library.
  2. A brief statement by the Governing Member Library Director or Dean in support of the project proposal.
  3. A detailed budget.
  4. An abstract (200 words maximum).
  5. A timeline targeting dates for major activities, deliverables, and stakeholder involvement as appropriate.
  6. Additional requirements for 13-24 month projects only:
     
     • A budget for years one and two, and a summary budget.
     • A timeline for years one and two with benchmark goals to be completed by which progress will be measured.
     • Annual progress reports, including progress on benchmark goals and budget reports for each participating institution, due by June 30 of year one.

Evaluation and Funding

• Proposals will be reviewed for thoroughness; potential to positively impact CARLI member libraries and the library profession; and potential to provide a useful addition to the existing literature.
• Up to $1,000 may be included for travel to present research findings at a conference. Specific details about the conference and cost estimates for travel must be included within the budget portion of the proposal.
• Indirect costs, such as college/university administrative costs, will not be covered by the program.

Conditions of Award

• The recipient must show proof of scholarly activity (e.g., manuscript to post on CARLI website, conference program where presentation was made, webinar for members) by the end of the second year (June 30) after award is given.
• If, for any reason, the recipient is unable to complete the research, the recipient must refund the total amount of money received.
• Final reports that do not include an evaluation will be noted when considering future proposals for funding.
• Funded proposals will be made publicly available on the CARLI web site.