The Visiting Researcher Program offers support to OCUL members as they pursue a research project while on sabbatical from their home institution.
Visiting Researcher positions are an arrangement between OCUL and the member’s home institution. Positions are typically one-year, requiring approximately 20 per cent of the individual’s research leave time, and can start anytime in a calendar year.
The member’s research project must align with OCUL priorities and/or benefit academic library services or librarianship.
OCUL provides in-kind contributions, such as staff time and technology access to assist in gathering and disseminating research information and developing research outcomes. OCUL also helps facilitate communication or coordination with partner organizations such as Canadian library consortia and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.
There is no remuneration from OCUL for Visiting Researchers. The researcher’s home institution continues to pay their salary.
Read the Call for Applications for 2025 Visiting Researchers.
Researcher Eligibility
- Must be based at an OCUL member institution.
- Must have agreement from their library director for the Visiting Researcher arrangement as described above.
- The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in French and English is an asset.
Visiting Researchers are expected to share their project outcomes with the OCUL membership.
A call for applications is announced annually in September, for researcher positions commencing the following calendar year.
Application Requirements
- Applicant CV
- Introductory letter outlining the research and its alignment with OCUL priorities and/or benefits to academic library services or librarianship
- A brief letter of support from the applicant’s library director
Applications are evaluated case-by-case and must have the potential to advance a common priority.
Past OCUL Visiting Researchers
2024 - Read the Announcement
- Joanne Rumig (Carleton University)
- Geoff Sinclair (Trent University)
For More Information
Please email questions about the OCUL Visiting Researcher program to ocul@ocul.on.ca.