What keeps CARL directors awake at night?

Abstract

PurposeThis article aims to overview research undertaken through the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) to identify themes and issues of interest to library leaders in Canadian research libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis paper discusses the context of the research, including moves by the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) to develop closer collaborative projects with Canadian Masters of Library and Information Sciences (MLIS) programs and to develop a National Research Agenda (NRA), inclusive of National Research Priorities (NRP). It overviews the specific research undertaken to develop the NRP, including the methodology and research outcomes.FindingsThe research resulted in the NRP, which identified key themes/issues of interest to directors in CARL member institutions. As such, it provides a snapshot of current issues and trends in research library management and leadership within Canada. CARL is now promoting its NRP and encouraging researchers (individuals and teams) to undertake applied research on the identified themes/issues, as part of its strategy to encourage research collaborations; increase research intensiveness within academic librarianship; and, use of evidence‐based decision making and applied research to solve management challenges.Originality/valueThe article identifies the context for the research, the research approach (including methodology) and research outcomes which point to issues of concern for library leaders in Canadian research libraries. It is a snapshot of current issues of concern to library managers.