Dr Ross Todd was a colleague and mentor, SLANSW John Hirst Award winner, school library advocate, and supporter of the Association’s research endeavours. At the heart of Ross’ legacy of research and literature pertaining to school libraries, lies his call for evidence-based practice. The challenge, he notes, “is to move beyond simply reporting state studies to crafting a compelling narrative that starts with local evidence of practice and links to the wider formal research evidence for practice” (Todd, 2015, p. 12). The Ross J Todd Research Grant honours Ross’ memory and his commitment to practitioner research by supporting members engaging in research in their school libraries that contributes to the building of local evidence.

The Ross J Todd Research Grant of $1000 will sponsor the successful recipient, be they an individual teacher librarian or school library team, to undertake a research project within their school. The grant is intended to assist the recipient with expenses incurred in the conduct of the research, such as accessing professional advice from a mentor, registration for a professional learning event that supports the conduct of the research, or casual cover while the recipient undertakes aspects of the research process. SLANSW will provide mentoring support for the recipient (if required).

Award criteria:

• The research project will have the potential to contribute new knowledge or enhance practice in regard to teacher librarianship and/or school libraries.
• As well as supporting the professional growth of the recipient, the research should benefit teaching and learning in the recipient’s school community.
• The research project will be conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines for research adapted from the guidelines provided for research in the Catholic, government, and independent sectors of New South Wales.
•  The project must be commenced and completed within 12 months of the grant being awarded.
• The applicant must have held personal or institutional membership of SLANSW for the year in which the grant application is made AND for the year prior.
• The recipient will provide tri-monthly reports to the SLANSW Management Committee regarding progress of the research project.
• The recipient must acknowledge the support of SLANSW when publishing or presenting the research project. Suggested wording: This research project was conducted as part of the SLANSW Ross J Todd Research Grant. I thank SLANSW for their support.
• The recipient will be required to present any part of the research project to SLANSW members, prior to it being presented or published elsewhere. This may take place via; newsletter or a Professional Learning Event.
• The recipient will be required to present a report on the research at a professional learning event, as determined by the Committee, within 12 months of the project’s completion. Within that timeframe, the recipient will also be required to provide a written report on the research for dissemination to the membership.

Submission of nominations: 

• Application forms with supporting documentation must be emailed to the Executive Officer, info@slansw.net.au by TBC
• Applications will be considered by the SLANSW Executive for recommendation to the SLANSW Committee.

Announcement of Grant:

The SLANSW Research Grant for 2026 will be announced via a SLANSW Media Release and the SLANSW website.

The SLANSW Committee reserves the right not to award this grant in any year.

 Download Award Criteria (pdf) and Application form (pdf)

Todd, R. (2015). Evidence-based practice and school libraries: Interconnections of Evidence, Advocacy, and Actions. Knowledge Quest, 43(3), 8–15.