Carleton University: Creating a research portfolio

Graduate students at Carleton University attended a new library workshop in November: creating a research portfolio.

Artists create portfolios because a “picture is worth a thousand words”—a thoughtful collection of their work allows them to demonstrate effectively the uniqueness of their art as well as the breadth and depth of their talent and skills.  More and more, scholars are finding that it is useful to follow suit and built a research portfolio that showcases their professional knowledge and competence in innovative ways.

Hosted by Janice Scammell, the head of reference services, subject specialist Martha Attridge Bufton as well as librarians Kristof Avramsson, Janice Scammell and Alana Skwarok presented over 35 masters and doctoral students with advice and tips on how to create their own research portfolios including:

• Using the portfolio to reflect upon their research activities and competencies
• Creating an e-portfolio based on this reflection using free online software and adding text as well as photographs, images and videos
• Thinking strategically about applications for their research and skills based on the portfolio
• Using a conference presentation framework as a research route to portfolio development

Feedback was very positive.  As one participant noted, “Showing examples of portfolios [opens] up new possibilities and I enjoyed the explicit instruction and direction about how to create a portfolio and how to use the library resources more directly.”

Martha Attridge Bufton can be reached at martha.attridgebufton [at] carleton.ca.