1. The Evidence Based Practice Process Andrew Booth Reader in Evidence Based Information Practice, University of Sheffield For the FOLIO EBLIP-Gloss Course

2. Evidence based library and information practice is “Evidence Based Library and Information Practice (EBLIP) seeks to improve library and information services and practice by bringing together the best available evidence and insights derived from working experience, moderated by user needs and preferences”. “EBLIP involves asking answerable questions, finding, critically appraising and then utilising research evidence from relevant disciplines in daily practice. It thus attempts to integrate user-reported, practitioner- observed and research-derived evidence as an explicit basis for decision-making”. (Booth, 2006)

3. The process of evidence-based library and information practice Eldredge, 2000

4. In other words…. …the 5 A s –A sk a focused question –A cquire the evidence –A ppraise the studies –A pply the findings –A ssess the impact….and your own development

5. So let us consider a worked example… Based on Abbott WA (2006), Persuasive Evidence: Improving Customer Service through Evidence Based Librarianship Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 1:1

6. A Worked Example In Bond University Library (Setting) would the provision of increased opening hours (Intervention) to meet student demand (Perspective) lead to benefits (Evaluation) when compared with current provision (Comparison)? How realistic is twenty-four hour opening? [Same Setting, Intervention and Comparison but with Evaluation from Management Perspective].

7. An Evidence-based approach Decision made to use an evidence based approach - library management decided that a comprehensive report with recommendations based on best practice and other relevant evidence would inform all stakeholders and help to resolve the issue.

8. Identifying the evidence Library’s opening hours compared to other Australian university libraries using Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) annual statistics. Survey of twenty-four hour facilities of other Australian university libraries via questionnaire. Review of literature illustrated that internationally, increasing number of institutions are opening for twenty- four hours for some days of the week and new libraries are being built to incorporate a twenty-four hour facility. Quantitative analysis of feedback about opening hours received from customers in 2004 indicated low but persistent level of complaints Quantitative analysis of usage patterns gathered in the Library’s Facilities Use Survey showed current spread of hours approximated closely to usage

9. Evidence from research Research conducted in US indicates that students’ requests for extended library opening hours are perennial and vary from requests to open until 2.00 am during exam periods to demands to open 24-7 most days of year (Steele and Walters; Curry; Engel, Womack and Ellis).

10. Evidence based decision-making Detailed costing prepared for four different scenarios ranging from longer opening hours for duration of semester to short period of 24-hour opening leading up to exam period. Evidence appraised and summarised in report recommending further increase in opening hours in weeks leading up to exam period. Longer term recommendation was to incorporate 24- hour study facility when and if Library is refurbished. Based on CAUL survey, facility should provide individual and group study spaces, computers, wireless access, laptop ports, photocopier and printing equipment, vending machines, lounges and appropriate security arrangements.

11. Acting on the evidence Report discussed with Student Council and senior University executive. Recommendation for long term accepted but short term proposal not adopted! Through process, all stakeholders gained good understanding of issues and agreed with decision made. Refurbishment has progressed University has invited proposals from architects to develop a project brief. Evidence gathered to resolve opening hours question has led to better understanding of Library’s role in providing learning environment in addition to traditional role as repository of books/provider of electronic resources. Has helped convince senior executive that refurbishment necessary to meet student needs.

12. Moving on to further questions Refurbishment proposal has defined new question: –“What facilities and services would students like to see included in refurbished library?” Stakeholder feedback is being gathered using online survey and focus groups.

13. The process of evidence-based library and information practice Eldredge, 2000

14. References Abbott WA (2006), Persuasive Evidence: Improving Customer Service through Evidence Based Librarianship Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 1:1 Booth A (2006) “Counting what counts: Performance Measurement and Evidence Based Practice” Performance Measurement and Metrics, 7 (2), 63-74. Booth A and Brice, A, (2004) Evidence Based Practice for Information Professionals: a handbook. Facet Publishing. Eldredge JD (2000). Evidence-based librarianship: an overview. Bull Med Libr Assoc. 2000 Oct;88(4):289-302. Eldredge JD. Evidence-Based Librarianship: The EBL Process. Library Hi Tech 2006; 24 (3): 341-54.