Evidence‐based Practice for Information Professionals: A Handbook

Citation

Sen, B. (2005), "Evidence‐based Practice for Information Professionals: A Handbook", New Library World, Vol. 106 No. 1/2, pp. 96-97. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800510575401

Evidence‐based practice (EBP) originated in the healthcare sector and this book is testimony to the migration of the model to other sectors. Andrew Booth has a wealth of experience of the evidence‐based concept from a practical, research and training perspective and is a well‐qualified editor and contributor to this text. The concept of EBP is presented for readers to take or leave dependent on is applicability to the individuals working environment. Part 3, details a number of practical situations and “Special Topics” which illustrate how the evidence‐based concept has been applied using the skills and resources outlined in Part 2 and based on the theories and context described in Part1.

Chapter one begins with a discussion of evidence‐based practice, outlining the political and social context within which it has developed and considers the strengths and weaknesses more specifically of evidence‐based information practice (EBIP). The editors define EBIP as “evidence‐based practice with information as both its subject and its object”. The authors rightly acknowledge the many definitions of evidence‐based practice within the literature but focus on the importance of the best evidence from the research to support decision making. The development and history of EBP is traced in chapters 2 and 3 within the context of political, social and technological changes.

Subsequent chapters in Part 1 discuss the breadth, scope and quality of the available evidence, offering the opinion that high quality research does not predominate within the library and information profession and giving a strategy for rectifying the situation through: the identification of questions important to the profession; devoting resources to answer those questions; answering the questions through multiple identical high level studies; and synthesizing the results through systematic reviews.

Part 2 covers a range of practical issues covering the development of research skills from the foundations of formulating the questions to be asked, identifying sources of evidence across domains, retrieving the evidence using various search techniques and being critical with regard to the evidence found by appraising the content. The applicability of results to practice is outlined through a series of guiding questions followed by practical suggestions for evaluating performance. Dissemination of research results is seen as vital in the progression of the profession, improving practice and improving the evidence base.

Part 3 demonstrates the application of evidence‐based information practice in a decision‐making context. A number of case studies are presented on “Special Topics” across a range of sectors. In conclusion, a discussion of the future for EBIP is presented as a “new movement providing exciting opportunities”. Critics might suggest that EBP is just a “new” label for an old practice, research.

The book is posited as being of wide interest to new and established information professionals. However, because the EBP model has its origins in the health sector much of the content is wrapped in terminology which will be familiar to the health information professionals but may make sections a little heavy going for other readers.

Any text that encourages research and evaluation within the profession deserves a positive press. The book contains a good balance of theory and practical advice for practitioners and researchers in information management.