The Community Scholars Program (CSP) provides staff working in registered nonprofits, charitable organizations, and Indigenous collectives in the Kingston community and surrounding area with free access to published academic research (articles and e-books) to enhance their work. 

Many researchers in Canada and around the world are studying social challenges and their possible solutions. They often publish their valuable findings as articles in peer-reviewed journals. These journals are mostly inaccessible to the more than 170,000 non-profit and charitable organizations in Canada doing critical work on social issues unless they are affiliated with a university. 

The CSP provides staff working at these organizations with access to academic research at no cost. In addition, the program provides research support and consultations with librarians.

The Community Scholars Program provides nonprofit professionals access to over 20,000 journal titles and ebooks to qualifying Community Scholars. 

Community Scholars can:

• search for, find, and read scholarly publications from anywhere they have an internet connection
• consult with a dedicated Community Scholars Librarian
• host or participate in tailored research workshops, journal clubs, and other local, provincial, or nationally-led events

Community Scholars access research publications:

• To strengthen or develop programs
• For advocacy or policy-making
• For organizational management and decision-making
• To imagine new ways of doing things
• For personal and professional development
• To support funding applications

Community Scholar partners work in a variety of nonprofit sectors including social and legal services, the arts, human rights and social justice, housing, physical and mental health, sustainability, and conservation. Individuals who work for local nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for the program. 

Queen's University Library is currently accepting new applications.

If your organization is interested in joining the Community Scholars Program, please connect with Brianna Storms, Head Reference and Information Services Librarian to learn more about the program and discuss eligibility.