York University Libraries and the Provost’s Office are partnering in a survey of full-time faculty in order to gain a broader understanding of how faculty engage with research and teaching. The survey will run from Oct. 15 to Nov. 1.
“The Ithaka survey results will provide invaluable data about changing needs of faculty, in both their research and teaching roles,” said Catherine Davidson, Interim University Librarian. “Analysis of those results will ensure that planning around library supports for faculty will be informed and evidence-based. The survey should help us better understand trends in research and information use amongst faculty. We’re very excited to be one of the first to run this survey in Canada.”
The Ithaka S + R Faculty Survey has been surveying thousands of US academics every three years for more than a decade. Launched in 2000, it was expanded in 2012 to include the United Kingdom. This year marks the inaugural Canadian edition of the survey, which is being spearheaded by the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL). Twelve CARL member universities will be taking part. Survey results will be shared widely with the York community when they become available.
The Survey will gather benchmark data in the following areas:
- Data Preservation and Management – How do faculty use data, and what services do they require?
- Discovery – Where do faculty begin the research process?
- Role of the Library – How do faculty perceive the library and what is their vision for its future?
- Student Research Skills – Faculty perceptions of students’ needs. How do faculty engage with this issue their own classrooms and in partnership with support providers?
- Digital Research Activities – What is the impact of digital technologies on faculty research?
The York University questionnaire will explore one additional subject:
- Market Research – Which library services or resources do faculty expect to use in the near future?
To learn more about Ithaka S + R and to view previous survey results, visit the Ithaka S + R website.
For more information, see the University Libraries’ Ithaka Faculty Survey website or contact Aaron Lupton, chair of the Library Assessment Committee at aalupton@yorku.ca or ext. 88891.