Research Metrics

DRAFT 06/05

Libraries and Cultural Resources Research Metrics

The University of Calgary aspires to be in the upper echelon of research universities in Canada. Research and scholarship in all disciplines is an important component of this goal. Research metrics will be used to measure progress achieved. Research, scholarship and creativity in information research will be broadly defined. It may be theoretical or applied, specific to the disciplines of library and information science, archives, or museums, or it may pertain to a disciplinary area in which the faculty member brings particular expertise. Applying the broader definition provided by Ernest Boyer, it will encompass the “scholarship of discovery, integration, application and teaching.”

“Scholarship of discovery pursues new knowledge. Scholarship of integration synthesizes and interprets knowledge to provide perspective. Scholarship of application solves problems for a larger community using knowledge from one’s particular field of expertise. Scholarship of teaching and learning contributes to knowledge about how people learn.” (taken from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University)

It is expected that faculty in Libraries and Cultural Resources will engage in scholarly activities and disseminate the results of such activities through publication, demonstration, professional presentation, exhibition or performance or by any other means appropriate to the discipline. (taken from Memorial University). All media are acceptable.

In general, works that undergo considerable scrutiny by peers will be deemed to be of higher value. However, evidence of peer validation of scholarly work may also be derived from the evidence of the adoption, implementation or replication of a policy, practice or technological development by others in the extended community. (taken from the University of Saskatchewan) Thus evaluation may be based on the value to the discipline or intended audience. In such cases, it is expected that the scholar will defend the worth of the scholarly work by providing evidence of its importance in such a way that it can be used during the merit, promotion or tenure process.

Below is a list of examples of research activities. The lists are in no ranked order, nor are the items within the lists.

Publications, creative works

• Publications of books, monographs, critical editions, chapters in books, review essays and other publications
  
• Master’s theses and doctoral dissertations that are additional to the qualifying degree

• Articles in refereed and non-refereed journals Invited essays or chapters
• Substantive guides to the literature, museum collections, archival holdings providing critical analysis or new information
• Papers in published conference proceedings
• Creative works, novels, exhibitions
• Substantive bibliographies which include critical introductions or evaluative annotations and which demonstrate impact
• Editing, compiling or indexing of substantial published works

Knowledge Exchange

• Contributions to public policy, debate and outcomes.
• Service on policy making commissions or committees
• Contributions to white papers and reports
• Developing new electronic applications or tools
• Editorial and referring duties where there is evidence that the member’s work includes a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge
• Innovative contributions to professional practice which have a significant impact on the community at large or the organization
• Substantial translation work
• Scholarly presentations conferences, seminars, workshops
• Substantial internal reports which have an impact on the direction of the organization
• Articles in newsletters
• Weblogs and Listservs
• Acknowledged research assistance

Research Grants

For the individual

• Role in grant writing, ie principle investigator, co-investigator
• Grant award
• Internal
• External
• Follow up grants
• Dissemination of research

For the organization

• Total dollar value
• Awarding bodies

Awards and Honours

• Rank of award
• Internal, national, international
• Appointments
• Journal or editorial boards
• Granting and review agencies
• Policy making bodies

Graduate Students

• Supervisor for a graduate student
• Supervisor of a practicum student