Elevating Engagement with Health Sciences Faculty: The Implementation of Research Sprints at the University of Minnesota

Abstract

The University of Minnesota Libraries adopted Research Sprints as an innovative faculty engagement approach. The primary goal was to offer faculty the opportunity to partner with a team of expert librarians on a specific research or pedagogical project during an intensive 4-day period, and differed from traditional consultations in timing and depth of interaction. A secondary goal was to solidify the status of librarians as valuable collaborators. The Libraries hosted two iterations of Research Sprints in May of 2017 and 2018 and evaluated both using surveys and reflection. Of the 30 applications received, five were from the health sciences, one of which was selected for participation in the Sprints. This project led to the creation of a website that houses freely-available resources for eight public health topics and numerous professional development tutorials. Faculty not selected were contacted for collaboration on their proposal outside of the Sprint setting. These proposals (Public Health, Medicine, and Nursing) led to face-to-face consults and comprehensive literature reviews, and continue to be ongoing collaborations.