How academic librarians experience evidence-based practice: A grounded theory model

摘要

Abstract This study explored academic librarians’ experience of evidence-based practice. A better understanding of evidence-based practice from an empirical basis can help fulfill the aims of evidence-based library and information practice to continuously improve practice and make effective, value-adding decisions about library and information services for their clients and communities. This research uses a constructivist grounded theory approach to investigate the question: How do academic librarians experience evidence-based practice? Thirteen Australian academic librarians participated in semi-structured interviews. The study used the methods of constant comparison to create codes and categories towards constructing a new theoretical model of experiencing evidence-based practice in the academic library context. The model consists of six categories of experiences: empowering, intuiting, affirming, connecting, noticing and impacting. This model can provide a platform for developing support for academic librarians andtheir educators by increasing awareness of various mindsets and actions experienced in the workplace context towards facilitating evidence-based information practice. Highlights ? This Australian study used grounded theory to investigate how academic librarians experience evidence-based practice (EBP). ? Thirteen academic librarians employed in various roles participated in semi-structured interviews. ? Academic librarians' experience EBP as empowering, intuiting, affirming, connecting, noticing, and impacting ? This empirically derived model can assist academic librarians to develop the mindsets and ways needed to facilitate EBP. ]]>