EBLIP in the 2.0 world - reflective practice unlocking the door to innovation

Lisa Cotter
Northern Sydney Central Coast Health /The University of Newcastle
Gillian Wood
NSW Health Department
SLIDESHOW (includes speaker notes)

OBJECTIVE
Two of the recent major challenges to traditional library practice have been evidence-based library and information practice (EBLIP) and Library 2.0, yet these concepts may be put at opposite ends of the innovation scale. EBLIP is concerned with using the best available evidence, and wherever possible – research evidence, to make informed decisions to achieve best practice. Library 2.0 on the other hand, challenges us to look beyond standard practice, “play”, and give new things a go (including the technological opportunities Web 2.0 has presented us). Is there a place for EBLIP in the brave new 2.0 world?

DISCUSSION
The barriers to fully engaging with new technologies are many. Arguably, the most challenging barrier to overcome is not financial, nor the continuing need to acquire new skills – but is the challenge of changing organisational culture and policy. Despite an innovative will, librarians must tackle the IT department before implementing many new services intended to be “where the user is, when the user is there” (Abram 2006). Pleas for support and offers of chocolate laden morning teas will (almost) never succeed alone. When conservative culture and policy are contested, while maintaining an open dialogue with IT departments, librarians must also substantiate proposals with evidence.

METHOD
A first step in compiling the necessary evidence is to establish a clear understanding of the issues faced. The MLA Task Force on Social Networking Software have recently undertaken a survey of its members investigating use of and attitudes towards Web 2.0 technologies. An initiative of Libraries Using Evidence - eblip.net.au and NSWHealth will see this investigation extended to Australian health librarians.

CONCLUSION
This presentation will discuss the relevance of evidence-based library and information practice in an environment enthused by the possibilities of Library 2.0. It will discuss one example of this interaction – a study looking for the evidence to reveal use of and attitudes towards Web 2.0 technologies.


Abram, S. (2006, January). Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and Librarian 2.0: Preparing for the 2.0 World. Retrieved August, 2006, from http://www.imakenews.com/sirsi/e_article000505688.cfm