Tenure support mechanisms provided by the Faculty Research Committee at Texas A&M University Libraries: A model for academic libraries

Abstract

Purpose

The Research Committee at Texas A&M University (TAMU) Libraries provides a model of tenure support that includes funding of research projects and an annual Research Forum. The purpose of this article is to review these support mechanisms and their outcomes. An argument for the benefit of such a model is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

Tenure support provided by the Research Committee and the broader supportive environment in which it functions is described. Each supported project was reviewed to determine its outcome (publication or conference presentation).

Findings

This model of support benefits tenure‐track librarians at Texas A&M University Libraries.

Practical implications

This model of support would likely benefit other academic libraries that require librarians to engage in scholarly communication. Thus this paper should be of interest to academic librarians and to library managers seeking to enhance tenure support for their faculty librarians.

Originality/value

Much of the literature on tenure support advocates mentoring. While TAMU's Research Committee functions within a library that requires mentors for its untenured faculty, this article provides an argument for the retention, or adoption of the kind of support provided by TAMU's Research Committee, including research funding and the opportunity to present research results to colleagues.

Citation

Stephens, J., Sare, L., Kimball, R., Foster, M. and Kitchens, J. (2011), "Tenure support mechanisms provided by the Faculty Research Committee at Texas A&M University Libraries: A model for academic libraries", Library Management, Vol. 32 No. 8/9, pp. 531-539. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435121111187897