Finding time for scholarship: a survey of Canadian research university librarians

Abstract

More than half the participants in a survey of Canadian research university librarians indicated that scholarship activities were required or encouraged at their universities, yet most university librarians have year-round schedules of assigned duties that present challenges to the engagement in sustained, meaningful scholarship. Full-time librarians reported spending an average of 47 hours per week on all of their responsibilities combined, but most librarians devote less than 5 hours per week to scholarly activities. Ideally librarians would like to spend 15% of their time on scholarship. Strategies for increasing time and support for scholarship are considered.