Assessing the impact of evidence summaries in library and information practice

Abstract

Objective This study developed, validated and administered an instrument to investigate the impact of research evidence summaries published in the journal, Evidence Based Library and Information Practice. Methods Using the critical incident technique, this mixed methods study began by developing and testing a survey questionnaire, disseminating it to readers of the journal and conducting follow-up interviews with a subsample. Findings A total of 86 practitioners responded to the survey and 13 took part in interviews. Evidence summaries led to impact at four levels: librarian knowledge, librarian practice, workplace practice, and library users. The instrument was revised as a result of the findings. Conclusion This study provides unique insight into whether evidence summaries are an effective means of bridging the research-practice gap for the library community and its scholarly communication channels. The validated impact assessment instrument may also be adapted for other means of disseminating research in library and information practice.