Western Libraries Joins Community Scholars Program to Bridge Research Gap for Regional Non-Profits
Published on October 01, 2025
Western Libraries is proud to announce its participation in the Community Scholars Program (CSP), effective October 1, 2025. This innovative initiative currently provides free access to over 20,000 academic journal titles and e-books to Community Scholars—staff at charitable and non-profit organizations in partner universities’ communities.
Led by Simon Fraser University Library in partnership with Canadian university libraries, the Community Scholars Program addresses a critical gap in research access. While thousands of researchers publish findings on social challenges in peer-reviewed journals, these resources remain largely inaccessible to the more than 170,000 non-profit organizations across Canada working on the front lines of social issues.
Western Libraries' participation expands this program's reach into southwestern Ontario, connecting local organizations working in social services, arts, human rights, housing, health, and environmental conservation with the research they need to strengthen their impact.
"Academic libraries can help ensure that research serves not just the university community, but the broader public good," said Geoffrey Robert Little, Vice-Provost and Chief Librarian of Western Libraries. "By joining the Community Scholars Program, Western Libraries is helping to democratize access to knowledge and ensuring that evidence-based research can directly inform the work of organizations making a real difference in our communities."
Community Scholars will be able to search and access publications from anywhere with an internet connection, receive support from library staff, and participate in specialized workshops. The program also provides access to “grey literature” through the Policy Commons database—including government reports, policy documents, white papers, and research from think tanks and NGOs—materials that are often unavailable through traditional academic databases but can be highly relevant to community-based work.
Ready to apply? Local organizations interested in joining the Community Scholars Program can contact Western Libraries directly.
