# /programsandresearch/scholars/default.htm

originally: http://www.oclc.org/programsandresearch/scholars/default.htm

# Visiting scholars

## About the visiting scholar program: A sabbatical research position

The OCLC visiting scholar post allows experienced scientists, educators, and administrators with demonstrated research capabilities to pursue projects on site at OCLC. Visiting scholars conduct research in areas of mutual interest to themselves and OCLC so that both benefit from a close working relationship.

### Qualifications

The visiting scholar must have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent training and substantial experience in directing and conducting research in one or more fields of interest to OCLC including:

- Library science
- Information science
- Computer science
- Applied mathematics
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Human factors

International applications are welcome.

### Nature of Appointment

Appointees are expected to conduct research that focuses on problems of significance to the library and information science community; the research need not be specific to OCLC's development and production activities. OCLC expects that research results will be published in the open literature and that, during their stay, visiting scholars will give at least one presentation at OCLC on their work-in-progress.

All publications stemming from research conducted while at OCLC are attributed to the visiting scholar and acknowledge OCLC's support. Acknowledgment of OCLC staff as coauthors is required when they make significant contributions to the research effort.

### Environment

Resources available to the visiting scholar include access to WorldCat (the OCLC Online Union Catalog) and other online information providers as well as other data related to the OCLC database and communications network. In addition, a rich computing environment is available for research purposes, and OCLC staff are available for consultation. Limited secretarial, editorial, and graphics support may be arranged.

### Terms of Appointment

The length of appointment is variable. Applicants are expected to provide their own funding, but there are no charges associated with authorized use of OCLC resources.

### Applications

Qualified researchers interested in the visiting scholar appointment should submit the following information to Nancy Elkington, Director, Partner Relations, OCLC Programs and Research.

- Letter of interest
- Current curriculum vitae
- Dates of preferred research visit
- Specific research plan
- Evidence of research outputs (e.g., journal articles or prototypes—English-language or English translations must be provided with the application)
- Two referees—name, position, institutional affiliation, e-mail and telephone contact details, and relationship to the applicant (e.g., former Ph.D. advisor, current Dean, etc.)

E-mail applications are preferred, but physical applications may be sent by conventional post to:

> Nancy Elkington
> Director, Partner Relations
> OCLC Programs and Research
> 6565 Kilgour Place
> Dublin, Ohio 43017-3395

Applications are accepted at any time, but must be submitted at least six months before the proposed term of residence begins.

OCLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Revised: 2008-10-28