Evidence-based Practice in libraries - Principles and discussions

Carl Gustav Johannsen

doi:10.1515/libri-2012-0013

Evidence-based Practice in libraries - Principles and discussions

Carl Gustav Johannsen

Department of Communication

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

This article examines problems concerning the introduction and future implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in libraries. First, some important conceptual distinctions and definitions are made concerning the scientific nature of EBP, the nature of the evidence movement and how the concept has been adopted and transformed when entering the library sector. It is shown that the approach of the library sector towards EBP in certain respects has been quite different from other societal sectors. Then the discussions about the more controversial aspects of EBP are reviewed, primarily based on experiences from Denmark. Here, it is shown that resistance towards EBP is based both on misunderstandings and on concern for values such as professional autonomy. Among the results, is an examination of how Danish library directors see the relationship between striving for innovation and creativity and EBP. The purpose of this article is both to qualify existing scepticism and reservation and - maybe - to clarify misunderstandings and objections through the presentation of arguments and data.

Original language	English
Journal	Libri
Volume	62
Issue number	2
Pages (from-to)	174-184
Number of pages	11
ISSN	0024-2667
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1515/libri-2012-0013
Publication status	Published - Jun 2012

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Cite this

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AB - This article examines problems concerning the introduction and future implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in libraries. First, some important conceptual distinctions and definitions are made concerning the scientific nature of EBP, the nature of the evidence movement and how the concept has been adopted and transformed when entering the library sector. It is shown that the approach of the library sector towards EBP in certain respects has been quite different from other societal sectors. Then the discussions about the more controversial aspects of EBP are reviewed, primarily based on experiences from Denmark. Here, it is shown that resistance towards EBP is based both on misunderstandings and on concern for values such as professional autonomy. Among the results, is an examination of how Danish library directors see the relationship between striving for innovation and creativity and EBP. The purpose of this article is both to qualify existing scepticism and reservation and - maybe - to clarify misunderstandings and objections through the presentation of arguments and data.

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KW - videnskabsteori og evidens

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KW - critical aspects

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Evidence-based Practice in libraries - Principles and discussions

Abstract

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