Academic Libraries and the Research Quality Framework‪.‬

In 2004, the Prime Minister announced the Commonwealth government's intention to change the way research funding is distributed to Australian higher education institutions. Called the Research Quality Framework (RQF), and with precedents in Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the UK, the purpose of the new funding model is to reward research on the basis of quality and impact. An ROF Expert Advisory Group provided advice to federal Education Minister, Julie Bishop, outlining the 'Research Quality Framework Preferred Model' in September 2005. Subsequently, a Development Advisory Group was established to carry out deeper consultation with stakeholders. In October 2006, this Group presented their report 'The Recommended RQF, (1) to the Minister, who endorsed the model and announced the date of implementation. Research data will be collected in 2008 with associated funding commencing in 2009. At the time of writing some details of the RQF are still in deliberation. Importantly, criteria for research assessment in different disciplines and a final model for funding allocation are yet to be determined. However, the overall structure and processes of the RQF are documented and with this information academic institutions can begin planning for the first RQF in 2008.