The Research Funding Service: a model for expanded library services

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Medical Research Funding
• Library Services

Background:

• Libraries traditionally offer limited grant and funding information.
• Researchers require comprehensive support for securing research funding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and services of a library-based grant and funding service for health sciences researchers.
• To highlight a successful collaboration between a university library and a School of Medicine.

Main Methods:

• Established the Research Funding Service through a cooperative effort.
• Integrated library resources (space, collections, equipment) with School of Medicine funding.
• Developed a comprehensive suite of services including consultations, website, classes, and newsletters.

Main Results:

• The Research Funding Service provides extensive support to health sciences researchers.
• Services include personalized consultations, online resources, educational workshops, and curated funding opportunity updates.
• The initiative demonstrates a successful model for library-school collaboration in research support.

Conclusions:

• Library-based services can significantly enhance research funding acquisition for health sciences.
• Collaborative models between libraries and academic departments are effective in meeting researcher needs.
• The Research Funding Service at UW serves as a valuable resource for grant and funding support.