Step 10: putting your findings into practice

At the end of your research project you need to put your findings into practice.

Evidence Based Library and Information Practice (EBLIP, formerly Evidence Based Librarianship) “focuses on methods for resolving daily problems in the profession through the integration of experience and research. It involves asking questions, finding information to answer them (or conducting one’s own research) and applying that knowledge to our practice.” (Koufogiannakis, D., & Crumley, E. (2002). Evidence-based librarianship. Feliciter, 48(3), 112-114.).

Evidence Based Library and Information Practice can  be seen both as the:

• finishing point for a research project in terms of applying the results of previously conducted research
• starting point in identifying an unmet need for further research

Putting your findings into practice is easier if the environment for change is right.

You’ve already taken steps to ensure your environment is ready for change by:

• working with users to identify their research priorities and research questions (Step 1)
• aligning your research question (Step 1) to the organisational strategies of key stakeholders
• disseminating your project findings within your Trust (Step 9)

All these steps can help build a receptive audience and work environment to implement the changes recommended in your research.

Suggested reading

Being evidence based in library and information practice describes how you can use and create research evidence. Includes examples of successful implementation.

The health libraries chapter presents two case studies of how health librarians have translated EBLIP into practice, while the practitioner-researchers and evidence-based librarianship chapter explores some of the challenges you might face as a practitioner-researcher.

General reading

Evidence-based librarianship: case studies and active learning exercises presents case studies of evidence based library and information practice within academic libraries.

Evidence-based practice for information professionals: a handbook is a detailed review of evidence-based practice including its use in professional practice.