Conference presentation
Developing certainty via a maturity model for evidence-based library and information practice in university libraries
10th International Evidence Based Library and Information Practice Conference (Glasgow. Scotland, 16/06/2019 - 06/2019)
2019
Metrics
25 Record Views
Abstract
Aim
This paper addresses the questions:
• how does a university library leader know the library’s service and practice is evidence-based?
• how can a university library measure and progress its maturity in evidence-based practice?
Current models of evidence-based library and information practice (EBLIP) apply predominantly to individuals. Little is
known about how an organisation can enhance its maturity level in being evidence-based, despite a growing demand
from institutional and library leaders for evidence to demonstrate why investments in libraries should continue (Baker and
Allden, 2017; Council of Australian University Librarians, 2016). With the exception of Gillespie et al (2016), there has
been limited research into experiences of evidence-based practice in an organisational setting, either within libraries or
within other domains.
Method
Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with two cohorts – four senior leaders at the authors’ institution; and
sixteen library professionals employed at Australian and New Zealand university libraries. Transcripts were analysed
using thematic analysis. Interviewees reflected on their own experiences with evidence-based practice, and the level of
evidence-based practice maturity demonstrated by their library. The interviews, combined with a literature review and
environmental scan of evidence-based practices in Australian university libraries, informed the development of the draft
maturity model.
Results
At the time of writing, thematic analysis is still underway. Based on literature about the development and use of maturity
models in higher education and libraries in areas such as e-learning (Marshall, 2012), user experience (MacDonald,
2016) and quality cultures in libraries (Wilson, 2015), the authors anticipate the model will include up to five stages of
maturity. The model will identify characteristics of evidence-based practice at different levels of maturity, including
strategies to progress maturity on a whole-of-organisation level.
Discussion/Conclusion
The development of a maturity model for academic libraries is the first to conceptualise and identify practical steps to
cultivate a culture of EBLIP within organisations. Library leaders and library practitioners will benefit from the model as
they seek to identify and build upon their evidence-based practice maturity, enabling more robust decision-making, a
deeper understanding of their clients and demonstration of value and impact to their stakeholders.
Details
- Title
- Developing certainty via a maturity model for evidence-based library and information practice in university libraries
- Creators
- Clare Thorpe (Author) - Southern Cross University, Library ServicesAlisa Howlett (Author) - University of Southern Queensland
- Conference
- 10th International Evidence Based Library and Information Practice Conference (Glasgow. Scotland, 16/06/2019 - 06/2019)
- Identifiers
- 991012947800402368
- Copyright
- License: CC Attribution-NonCommercial License
- Academic Unit
- Library Services
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Conference presentation