Promoting practitioner‐researcher collaboration in library and information science

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate ways of developing positive partnerships between practice‐based librarians and those active in library and information (LIS) research.

Design/methodology/approach

An opinion piece reflecting on issues currently discussed in the practitioner and research communities.

Findings

That there are a number of practical strategies that practitioners, researchers and funding bodies can adopt to maximise the potential for mutually beneficial collaboration.

Research limitations/implications

An expression of opinion about the value of partnering in research to the library practitioner community, and about the reasons why partnerships in this area may not occur as frequently or fruitfully as they could.

Practical implications

If taken further, the suggestions made in this editorial would enhance the quality and increase the quantity of practice‐based LIS research collaborations.

Originality/value

This opinion piece attempts to shed light for researchers on attitudes to research among the practitioner community, creating perspectives which cannot be gained from the standpoint of the research community alone.

Citation

Joint, N. (2005), "Promoting practitioner‐researcher collaboration in library and information science", Library Review, Vol. 54 No. 5, pp. 289-294. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530510600534