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AHRC-funded PhD studentship
Evaluating the Outcomes of Cultural Services: a Mixed Methods Investigation
We are seeking a PhD student to investigate the outcomes of cultural services. The position is available from January 2012 and offers an outstanding opportunity for a dedicated and motivated individual to undertake groundbreaking research in collaboration with the Cultural and Community Services Department of Derbyshire County Council. He or she will have the benefit of working at the heart of one of the most active and successful cross-sectoral cultural partnerships in the UK, with a large county council, eight district councils, the Peak District National Park Authority, the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site all active contributors.
The studentship is funded (fees and maintenance) for three years by an AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Award (CDA), based on a partnership between Derbyshire County Council and the University of Sheffield Information School.
The project supervisors are:
• Ms. Briony Birdi, Lecturer, Information School, University of Sheffield
• Dr. Andrew Cox, Lecturer, Information School, University of Sheffield
• Mr. Robert Gent, Assistant Director, Cultural and Community Services, Derbyshire County Council
• Mr. Roger Jones, Management Information Officer, Cultural and Community Services, Derbyshire County Council
Project details
With its central research question ‘What is the intrinsic value of cultural services?’, the proposed project aims to analyse historical and current attempts to evaluate the impact of such services, from which to develop a model which is then transferable to all cultural service providers within the public sector. The partners are looking for a clear rationale for continued investment in cultural services, based on their demonstrated value to local people and their communities.
Funding details
The award covers UK/EU student fees, and maintenance at the standard AHRC rate (£13,590 for academic year 2011-12). CDA award holders receive additional maintenance payments of £550 per annum from the AHRC and £1,000 per annum from Derbyshire County Council.
Only UK and EU residents are eligible. Candidates must meet the AHRC eligibility criteria (see Section 7, http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/FundingOpportunities/Documents/GuidetoStudentFunding.pdf)
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a Masters degree in librarianship or a related subject, experience or knowledge of working in a public library and the ability to demonstrate an understanding of the role of public libraries within society, and an interest in cultural services. They should also have a familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods, the ability to work independently, excellent written and oral communications skills, and a knowledge of the formal research process including writing and presenting findings.
How to apply
Please email your application to Briony Birdi ([log in to unmask]), no later than 9am on Monday 25th July 2011. Your application should include the following:
• a covering letter explaining your motivation for undertaking doctoral research, your interest in this particular project and the expertise that you can bring to the project
• a full curriculum vitae
• an example of recent written work that demonstrates your research ability and writing skills (for example, a student assignment, project report or published article)
• contact details, including email addresses, for two referees, at least one of whom should be able to comment on your academic ability.
Interviews of shortlisted candidates will be held in the Information School at the University of Sheffield on Tuesday 2nd August 2011. Shortlisted applicants will also be offered the opportunity to visit the team at Derbyshire Libraries in order to see the accommodation, facilities and resources available. Our decision will then be communicated to you by mid- August 2011, with the PhD to commence in January 2012.
Further information
See www.shef.ac.uk/is/study/pgr/scholarship.html for further information. Please address questions about the project or the application process to Briony Birdi ([log in to unmask] or tel. 0114 222 2653).
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