LIASA - WWIS Research Librarian Award 2024

Research Librarians play a vital role in facilitating access to information resources and assisting researchers, students, and patrons in conducting effective research. They will curate and manage collections, provide reference services, and contribute to the organization and dissemination of knowledge within the library or academic institution.

Their expertise in information retrieval and library sciences will be instrumental in supporting the information needs of library user. They have in-depth knowledge around scholarly communication and research methodology and would often work on how to integrate and advance information technology into libraries

The goal of the "Research Support Librarian" award, presented by WWIS in partnership with LIASA, is to recognize and reward the exceptional efforts of research support librarians, fostering a culture of excellence in the field. By acknowledging outstanding contributions, the award aims to encourage continuous dedication to research support and inspire others in the library community to strive for excellence. 

Timeline:

1. Call for nominations:03 July 2024
2. Closing of nominations:31 July 2024
3. Shortlisting of finalists:10 – 15 August 2024
4. Finalist interviews:30 September 2024 (At Conference, Durban)
5. Announcement of winners: 03 October 2024 at the LIASA 2024 Conference Dinner, Durban International Convention Centre Selection Criteria

All nominees will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Research Track Record

The candidate should display a track record of research support activities in the industry through knowledge sharing by either having published or being an activist for research.

Scholarly Communication

The candidate should understand the system through which research and other scholarly writings are created, evaluated for quality, disseminated to the scholarly community, and preserved for future use. Including copyright, rights management, policies & protocols.

Open Science

The candidate should understand key aspects of Open Science and the importance of it in LIS.

Research Evaluation

The candidate should demonstrate firm understanding of research evaluation and aspects relating to Bibliometrics, Alt-metrics & citation analysis.

LIS role in institution

The candidate should demonstrate understanding how the library is embedded in the research lifecycle within the institution and the research support provided to various units.

Professional Development

The candidate should be involved in continuous professional development activities through different means:

• Teaching & Learning activities,
• research and researcher training,
• research event participation and collaboration.

Eligibility

The following groups of people are not eligible for this award:

• LIASA Board members,
• LIASA staff,
• WWIS staff,

The following groups of people are eligible for this award:

• All paid-up LIASA members who meet the criteria, other than members of the LIASA Board.
• All librarians actively working in the field of research support
• Nominees must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in library services.

Nomination

The nomination must include:

• Nomination form to be completed and signed by the nominator and the nominee (self-nominations are accepted).
• A motivation statement of a maximum of 200 words (1.5 spacing, 12 point font) indicating the motivation for the nomination
• A profile[1]of the nominee not exceeding 500 words (1.5 spacing, 12 point font)
• A clear, colour, digital, head and shoulder photo (in .jpg, .jpeg, or .png) that will be used for promotional purposes. The National Office reserves the right to not use photos of inferior quality.
  
  Qualifications and Achievements

• Demonstrated excellence in providing research support services.
• Innovative contributions to library services, particularly in the realm of research assistance.
• Leadership qualities and positive impact on library users and the community.
• Involvement in professional development activities related to research support

  
  Documentation

• A comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation highlighting the nominee's impact on research support.
• A personal statement from the nominee outlining their contributions and philosophy towards research support.
• Examples of 1 or 2 projects/initiatives, /programs led by the nominee.

  
  Additional requirements

• All finalists must attend the LIASA 2024 Conference in Durban in-person
• All finalists must attend the interviews on 30 September 2024, in Durban.The time will be communicated to the finalists

• It will be required from all shortlisted candidates to make a presentation using any media to illustrate:
  • how you would promote the sponsor, LIASA and Librarianship should you win the Librarian of the Year award,
  • And should you win, how would you use the award money and promote LIASA, the profession and the sponsor

• Important things to note for the successful awardee(s)
  • The award winner/s will need to submit a detailed proposal and budget for consideration by LIASA and the sponsor on the use of the award money
  • Upon approval of the proposal by LIASA and the sponsor the award money will be deposited into her/his bank account
  • Within six weeks after the completion of the awardee’s project, they will submit a formal report to LIASA and WWIS
  • The winner will do a 5 minute visual presentation at the following year’s Annual Conference
• The winner/s might undergo training/mentoring to support the ambassador role
• The winner/s must submit articles on topics related to your field of interest for each of the 4 issues of the LIASA-in-Touch for the Awards column
• The winner/s must submit articles for all issues of the sponsor’s newsletter during their year of reign.
• The winner/s are required to be actively involved in events and social platforms the sponsor’s manage throughout their year of reign.

[1] NOT the CV. See examples such as: https://www.nata.org/membership/honors-and-awards/awards-profile-guidance

Downloads:

• Call for nominations
  
• Nomination Form
  

 Send the completed nomination form and all the required documents to awards@liasa.org.za