National Policy Congress 2003

Research exchange and partnership

Note: This page contains information provided to delegates for the 2003 ALIA National Policy Congress. For up-to-date information on ALIA's research programs, see the ALIA research pages.

What is REAP?

The ALIA Research Exchange and Partnership (REAP) has been developed to encourage and support research and innovation in library and information services. REAP functions as a network of peers who can work together to exchange ideas and information. It aims to bring together practitioners and researchers so they can share ideas, information and experiences about doing research and using the results of research.

Who can join REAP?

Anyone with an interest in research, in learning how to become a researcher, in wanting to use research results more effectively can benefit from REAP. People already involved include practising professionals, researchers in university and TAFE library and information sector departments and research centres, professional research assistants, master and doctoral students and independent researchers.

How does REAP work?

REAP operates through an e-list (aliaREAP). REAP has its website on ALIAnet which offers access to research-related resources and to ALIA e-prints, an electronic archive to load and provide access to research output relating to the library and information sector. Resources - some available only to ALIA members - include how to develop a research proposal, how to seek funding support, ALIA's awards and grants scheme.

From time to time face-to-face meetings will be planned to allow researchers, practitioners and those with an interest in research and developing research skills to come together. A meeting is planned to coincide with the 2004 Biennial Conference.

ALIA e-prints

The ALIA e-prints repository is integral to the REAP program. This electronic archive aims to increase visibility and accessibility of research. Registration with ALIA e-prints is easy and free. It enables authors to submit work for publication and to review their own published works at any time. Publishing in ALIA e-prints can help researchers gain greater exposure of their work and at the same time contribute research material to a valuable open database.

Why be involved in REAP?

The REAP program is an opportunity to raise the profile of library and information sector research. Research is going on in many different library and information sector areas - in the workplace, in educational institutions and elsewhere. But sometimes people are not sure how to report the outcomes of their projects and information (which could offer valuable input into other areas of the sector and which remains hidden). You may know practitioners, library and information sector students and others who would welcome an opportunity to become involved in a research project. By becoming involved in REAP and encouraging fellow ALIA members to do likewise, you will be able to use the e-list to suggest topics for research, nominate yourself and others as potential researchers, offer advice about possible research partnerships. By joining the REAP e-list, you may have the opportunity to join colleagues in the very research project that you also wished you could do.

More information

For more information about the REAP program visit the website shown above, or contact Marie Murphy (remove the '.nospam' from address) manager, policy, projects and research, ph 02 6215 8213.