Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research university based in Burnaby, British Columbia. Total student enrollment at SFU as of fall 2022 was 35,396, with 29,660 undergraduates, 5,736 and graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 35:1.
At Simon Fraser University, the University Library and Office of the Vice-President of Research have partnered to create a Knowledge Mobilization Hub located in the SFU Library Research Commons. Knowledge mobilization is an umbrella term for the wide range of activities involved in translating research for use outside the university—in communities, civil society, and policy making.
The SFU Strategic Research Plan states that “research is not complete until the created knowledge is shared. That sharing happens via many mechanisms including traditional academic publication, policy creation, newspaper op-eds, white papers, social media, performances, creative artifacts, patents/licensing, new product development, creation of a company and other forms.” The plan goes on to state, “At SFU we embrace open science, data and publishing.” The libraries are building an organizational sense of the connections between open science and engagement and providing leadership within the university on those intersections.
Knowledge Mobilization Hub
https://www.sfu.ca/research/strategic-initiatives/knowledge-mobilization
SFU’s Knowledge Mobilization Hub provides services and support to SFU researchers across all three campuses. The hub is located in the SFU Library Research Commons at the W.A.C. Bennett Library. This commitment to knowledge mobilization is intended to facilitate wider public engagement with research and deepen connections between researchers and knowledge users.
Services available through SFU’s Knowledge Mobilization Hub are provided by Lupin Battersby, Knowledge Mobilization officer. Battersby provides:
- SFU Knowledge Mobilization resource navigation
- Pre- and post-grant knowledge mobilization planning and facilitation
- Tailored training in knowledge mobilization principles, frameworks, and skills
Simon Fraser University Library is a partner in the Community Scholars Program, providing access to relevant research literature to nonprofit organizations. https://www.lib.sfu.ca/about/overview/services-you/community-scholars
The university is a member of Research Impact Canada, which provides tools and resources to advance knowledge mobilization on university campuses. https://researchimpact.ca/
For additional information about Accelerating Social Impact Research: Libraries at the Intersection of Openness and Community-Engaged Scholarship, please read the ARL report or view additional institutional profiles.
