Friends of the Oberlin College Library Curriculum Development Initiative for Special Collections

Grant Application & Guidelines

Applications: Applicants should provide a brief proposal of up to 600 words that is developed in collaboration with the librarian partner. The proposal should include:

• The name of the faculty member and the librarian who will collaborate on the project.
• A description of the Special Collection(s) that will be used for the course. New collections may be assembled from materials in the Library’s still-circulating holdings. Proposals may also include recommendations for new acquisitions, though separate funds available for that purpose are limited.
• A description of the course, including the frequency with which it may be taught and the manner in with special collections materials will be integrated into course content. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are welcome and courses can be held either during a regular semester or winter term.
• The pedagogical significance of incorporating the Special Collections subject matter into the course and the likely appeal to students.
• The amount of time needed to design the new content, and any additional funds required to cover the cost of hiring students, photocopying, imaging, etc.
• The involvement of Library staff in the proposed course, both in the planning and execution of assignments and/or classes.

Applicants should also provide a current C.V. and any other supporting documentation deemed appropriate.

Please submit completed applications by Tuesday, May 13, 2008 to the Office of the Director of Libraries, Mudd Center. The grant recipient(s) will be notified of their award(s) by May 23, 2008.

Review: The program committee will review applications and make awards by May 23, 2008 based on the following criteria:

• The strength of the pedagogical methods and goals proposed for the course.
• The ability of the Library collections to support the course and the availability of additional material.
• The likely appeal of the course to students.
• The depth of the collaboration between the faculty person(s) and the librarian(s).

Faculty and librarians serving on the review committee, appointed by the Director of Libraries, may themselves submit applications but will, in such circumstances, excuse themselves from the review process. Funds granted to the faculty member may support the estimated time invested in the project, supplies, or the cost of student assistants. Stipends will be paid upon completion of course development.

Reporting: Successful applicants will be asked to report briefly to the program committee on their experience with the course supported in part with Friends funds. The report should touch briefly on the review criteria mentioned above but give particular attention to learning outcomes and student accomplishments in the course.