Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify whether the internal microgrant program at the University of Houston Libraries provided a suitable return on investment. This study identified three criteria for assessing return on investment from library microgrants: engagement, continuation, and professional impact. The results indicated that compared to costs for other library outreach programs and events, the amount for the microgrant program is not excessive. However, it resulted in significant participation and impact, with many continuing positive outcomes. Internal microgrant programs offered a positive return on investment for the University of Houston Libraries during the period reviewed. This study will help with the decision-making process of other libraries looking to fund similar programs. It also has implications for assessment in libraries with similar existing programs.
Highlights
The University of Houston Libraries first implemented the internal microgrant program in 2007 as a tool to highlight the libraries’ strategic directions
The objective of this study was to identify whether the internal microgrant program at the University of Houston Libraries provided a suitable return on investment
It resulted in significant participation and impact, with many continuing positive outcomes
Summary
The University of Houston Libraries first implemented the internal microgrant program in 2007 as a tool to highlight the libraries’ strategic directions. The microgrant program was designed to foster the creation of new and innovative initiatives in support of University of Houston Libraries’ Strategic Directions and the University’s Tier One initiatives. At the outset of the program, successful microgrant applications were awarded up to $2000, but most projects were able to succeed for less than that amount. University of Houston Libraries has a new 2017-2021 strategic plan. Leadership, and strategic plans for the Libraries shifted, it became important to identify whether the microgrant program should continue to receive support, both in terms of staffing resources and financing. Several questions emerge from this review: does the microgrant program still encourage new endeavors that fulfill the libraries’ goals and plans? Several questions emerge from this review: does the microgrant program still encourage new endeavors that fulfill the libraries’ goals and plans? Is the funding adequate, sub-par, or excessive based on the need? Can the impact of microgrant programs be quantified and, if so, how?
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