The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is seeking proposals for 2018 SPEC survey topics. For more than 40 years ARL has gathered and disseminated data through the SPEC survey program to assist libraries in the continuous improvement of their management systems. Each year, the Association works with librarians in the US and Canada to develop surveys of the membership on strategic topics related to research library policies and practices.
There will be four SPEC surveys in 2018. Criteria for selecting a 2018 survey topic include the topic's currency and insightfulness; its strategic importance to managing research libraries; its relevance to an ARL focus area or an ARL program promoting diversity and inclusion; its relevance to the ARL Strategic Framework; and whether documents that illustrate current policies and practices can be gathered from survey respondents.
Examples of current areas of interest to research libraries that could fit the SPEC survey model include, but are not limited to: public scholarship and civic or community engagement; metadata services, including linked open data; student success and retention (library contributions to); open access investments and funds (beyond article processing charges); creating and maintaining inclusive climates through design of spaces or services, and involving participation of diverse, underrepresented communities; workforce development; acquiring and managing new forms of scholarship; innovations in engaging users with collections; and measuring organizational success/impact.
Submit proposals online by July 14, 2017, for consideration for 2018. ARL will review proposals and notify authors of the four topics selected for the 2018 survey cycle by August 18, 2017.
Questions about the SPEC survey program and proposal development can be directed to Lee Anne George, publications program officer, at leeanne@arl.org.
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