Library Herald Year : 2011, Volume : 49, Issue : 3 First page : ( 193) Last page : ( 204) Print ISSN : 0024-2292. Online ISSN : 0976-2469. Evidence-based Librarianship: Implications for Indian Librarians
Marolia Perin V, Co-ordinator, Networking and Information Dissemination Cell
UGC Project on Capacity Building of Women Managers in Higher Education, SNDT Women's University Library, Mumbai, 400020
Abstract
Evidence-Based Librarianship (EBL) provides a process for integrating the best-available scientifically generated evidence into making important decisions. The present article aims to introduce the basics of EBL, summarizes the steps involved, and presents the implications for the Library and Information Science profession in India. The EBL process involves specifying the problem, finding the evidence to answer the problem, appraising the evidence, applying the results, evaluating the outcome and, if necessary, redefining the problem. One begins the process by identifying and clarifying what exactly one is aiming to do, for which EBL can be applied. The next step is to search for the evidence and examine it critically followed by applying the evidence that has been collected and evaluated. It is practical to prepare an Action Plan at the outset. An important part of this stage is also to evaluate the effect of applying evidence-based practice in the given situation. Therefore, the evaluation process must be planned as part of evidence based practice, before implementing the evidence-based decision. It is suggested that Indian librarians should integrate EBL into their professional practice. In the initial stages, at the practical level, the following initiatives should be considered: Library and information professionals should carry out more action research; initiatives should be taken by apex bodies such as Library Associations, University Departments of Library & Information Science, the National Library and other similar institutions to develop systems for sharing of evidence; and a culture of evidence based practice should be promoted across the L&IS profession.