The Community Scholars Program strives to foster community engagement and collaboration between non-profits, libraries, and post-secondary institutions in BC, connecting researchers working in the non-profit and charitable sectors with access to published research, normally locked behind a paywall. Not only do community scholars gain access to the research portal to search for current literature in their fields, they also have access to research support from librarians and unique programming. This program is currently supported via a grant from the McConnell Foundation through the BC Collaborative on Social Infrastructure.

This unique program is an example of how academic libraries can work collaboratively to build partnerships, while raising awareness about the importance of equitable access to information. Coordinated through the library at SFU, the Community Scholars Program is supported in partnership with the libraries at UNBC, UBC, VIU, and KPU.

 The Community Scholars Program is accepting applications from individuals working in non-profits and charities throughout British Columbia. With 500 spaces available, up to five employees from the same organization may apply.

Contact Kealin McCabe (kealin.mccabe@unbc.ca) for more information!