1. Grants Outreach and Training Working Group Update
June 2017 Faculty Meeting

2. Charge
The Working Group on Library Grants Outreach and Training works with the AUL for Research on the development of outreach, training, and assessment materials to support Library faculty and academic professionals in preparing successful grant proposals, stewarding grant resources, accomplishing the objectives in the grant, and disseminating the results of the funded activities.

3. Survey
The “Library Faculty and AP Survey on Grant Support Needs” ran from March 6 through March 17.
There were 33 respondents: 18 AP (55%), 10 Tenured (30%), and 5 Untenured/Tenure-track (15%). 2/3rds of respondents (64%) had been involved in developing a grant application before (either as a PI or in another role)

4. Survey: Ideas not Pursued
82% of respondents had considered a grant idea in the past that they did not pursue
Top three reasons:
“Not having the time” (61%)
“Not able to find the right partners / co-Pis /group” (39%)
“Not able to clarify and refine the initial idea” AND “Not a priority” (tied at 33%)

5. Survey: Support
Top three desired means of support (grouped from open responses):
Workshops / Training / Info Sessions (11 of 28, or 39%)
Library Priorities / Messaging / Culture AND Mentor(s) / Advisor(s) (5 of 28, or 18%)
Consulting (point of need) (4 of 28, or 14%)
22/33 liked the idea of small groups to work through grant process, including half of those without a current grant idea

6. Key Need: Mentoring for Grants Process
While there is broad support for workshops in principle, several previous grant workshops have not had strong attendance – issues not just of time but timeliness.
Strong interest in small groups my indicate better opportunities are needed for personalized collaboration and mentoring.
Plans to offer to connect those new to grants to mentors or to allow shadowing of grant application meetings and development.

7. New Form for Intention to Apply
Name
Do you have a sponsor in mind?
No, but I don't need assistance in finding one at this time.
No, but I would like help in finding appropriate funding sources.
Yes, provide sponsor name and grant URL:
Tell us briefly about your proposal idea. Describe succinctly what you intend to do, why you think it is important, and how it supports the goals of the grant sponsor. [Describe in 250 words or less]

8. New Form for Intention to Apply
6. Tell us about how the proposed work will be accomplished. Is this work that you intend to do solo, or do you need to work with others in the Library, on campus, or at other institutions to accomplish this work? [Describe in 250 words or less] 7. Would you like a proposal mentor? (For these purposes, a mentor is a librarian with more experience on grants who would help you understand and navigate the proposal process, and provide feedback on drafts.) (Y/N) 8. Would you be willing to allow someone less experienced in proposals shadow you during the proposal process? (Y/N)

9. Streamlining Communications
Setting process to inform stakeholders when a grant is awarded, so that we can be sure to track awards, communicate them to internal and external audiences as necessary, and ensure paperwork and infrastructure needs are met.

10. Discussion Questions
If workshops on applying for grants were offered, what topics would be of interest?
Possibility for session on applying to foundations for grants.
Do people like the idea of having more experienced mentors for people new to grants, or allowing them to shadow more experienced grant proposal writers? What other ways could we foster mentoring?

11. Membership
Dan Tracy, chair*, Library and Information Science and Research Services Librarian Heather Murphy, CIO Carissa Phillips, Data Discovery and Business Librarian (RIS) & Research and Publications Comm. (Chair) Susan Schnuer, Assoc. Dir., Mortenson Center for International Library Programs Kathie Veach, Manager for Research Administration Beth Namachchivaya, AUL for Research Liaison Beth Woodard – Staff Development and Training Liaison *Tim Cole began as chair of this group until April 2017.