Research engagement.pdf (164.88 kB)
Research engagement of health sciences librarians: a survey of research-related activities and attitudes.
Version 2 2019-12-02, 17:33
Version 1 2016-06-13, 00:00
journal contribution
posted on 2019-12-02, 17:33 authored by S Lessick, C Perryman, BL Billman, KM Alpi, Sandra L De GrooteSandra L De Groote, TD Jr. BabinIntroduction: The extent to which health sciences librarians are engaged in research is a little-studied
question. This study assesses the research activities and attitudes of Medical Library Association
(MLA) members, including the influence of work affiliation.
Methods: An online survey was designed using a combination of multiple-choice and open-ended
questions and distributed to MLA members. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics,
content analysis, and significance testing. The authors used statistical tools and categorized openended
question topics by the constant comparative method, also applying the broad subject
categories used in a prior study. Pearson’s chi-square analysis was performed on responses to
determine significant differences among respondents employed in three different institutional
environments.
Results: Analysis showed that 79% of respondents read research articles at least once a month; 58%
applied published research studies to practice; 44% had conducted research; 62% reported acting on
research had enhanced their libraries; 38% had presented findings; and 34% had authored research
articles. Hospital librarians were significantly less likely than academic librarians to have
participated in research activities. Highly ranked research benefits, barriers, and competencies of
health sciences librarians are described.
Conclusions: Findings indicate that health sciences librarians are actively engaged in research
activities. Practice implications for practitioners, publishers, and stakeholders are discussed.
Results suggest that practitioners can use published research results and results from their own
research to affect practice decisions and improve services. Future studies are needed to confirm and
extend these findings, including the need for intervention studies to increase research and writing
productivity.
Funding
MLA Research Section for funding access to the online survey platform, SurveyMonkey.
History
Publisher Statement
This is a copy of an article published in the Journal of the Medical Library Association © 2016 Medical Library Association Publications.© The Authors.Publisher
Medical Library AssociationLanguage
- en_US
issn
1536-5050Issue date
2016-04-01Usage metrics
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