Evidence-based librarianship as a method
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Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Tampere University Press
Abstract
University libraries are challenged to demonstrate the impact of their
services and collections on the scientific communities they serve. They are expected to improve their performance despite limited budgets and uncertainty. For this purpose they need methods. We argue that evidence-based librarianship (EBL) can offer simultaneously both a practical and a research-based approach to the development of library practice and services. EBL is a process where the best available evidence is combined with the insights derived from working experience, moderated by user needs and preferences, and integrated into decision-making. (Booth 2006b; Eldredge 2006.) The concept of EBL was first introduced in 1997 by Jonathan Eldredge. The roots of evidence-based practice are in medical science.
The term ”evidence-based medicine” was used for the first time in 1991. (Bailey & McKibbon 2006.) As early as in 2000 Eldredge demonstrated how the characteristics of both evidence-based medicine (EBM) and evidence-based health care (EBHC) can be adapted to health science libraries (Eldredge 2000).
Nowadays EBL has spread to all library sectors. The first Evidence Based Library and Information Practice Conference was organized in Sheffield, United Kingdom in 2001. Thereafter EBL conferences have taken place every second year, the most recent in 2011 in Salford, Greater Manchester United Kingdom (see http://www.eblip6. salford.ac.uk/). The journal Evidence Based Library and Information Practice (http://ejournals.library.ualberta.ca/index.php/EBLIP/index)
has been published since 2006 and has included articles from all library sectors including university, public, school and special libraries. As Ryan (2012, 5) states: “EBLIP is one area where librarians from every sector can work together, sharing a common interest in evidence based professional practice.”
Although EBL as a concept is quite new, university libraries have based their activities on very similar methods for years and have also compiled research-based evidence to support their decision-making.
However, they have not communicated and shared this endeavour very well. Probably this inability to communicate has led to the misunderstanding and suspicions that libraries do not use researchbased evidence in their decision-making. For example, Neal (2006, 1) argues: “It is imperative that academic librarians and higher education libraries develop and carry out systematic research and development program.” He continues: “Other organizations in the not-for-profit
sector, including libraries have not advanced an R&D capacity or commitment. This needs to change.” Of course there are various barriers facing EBL in everyday life in the libraries but there are also various means to overcome them (Booth 2011).
In this chapter we use four case studies to demonstrate how university libraries in two quite different countries have compiled and used solid evidence to support their decision-making. Two case studies (1 and 3) from Finland were designed and carried out as EBL case studies. Two others (2 and 4) are everyday life examples from Namibia. Although these cases were not started as EBL processes,
they can also show how reliable and valid evidence was needed and
used in the decision-making in the library. In addition, they can also
be analysed and described by following EBL principles.
Description
Keywords
Evidance based librarianship, Decision making, University libraries
Citation
Iivonen, M. & Namhila, E.N. (2012). Evidence-based librarianship as a method. In M. Iivonen, P. Helminen, J. Ndinoshiho & O Sisättö (Eds.), Empowering people : Collaboration between Finnish and Namibian University Librarie (57-75). Tanpere : Tampere University Press s