Collaborative library science research network

Level Up Library Research: 3 Strategies for a Stronger Evidence Base

Mira Elwood in Mind & Education July 2025 • 3 min read.

"Unlock the potential of evidence-based research in library science with collaborative strategies, data sharing, and project clearinghouses."

For over two decades, the library science field has embraced evidence-based librarianship (EBL) to improve professional decision-making. By incorporating solid research into everyday practice, librarians can make informed choices that lead to better outcomes for their communities. This commitment to EBL requires continuous strengthening of our research base.

Every day, library and information science professionals make critical decisions. Evidence-based librarianship offers a framework for making informed decisions under uncertainty by evaluating various forms of research evidence.

To strengthen our EBL path, this article will explore three key ideas to enhance our research efforts: building research coalitions, improving data storage, and establishing project clearinghouses.

<ul> <li>Power in Numbers: Building Research Coalitions</li> </ul>

Collaborative library science research network

High-quality research rarely emerges from isolated efforts. Instead of working alone, researchers should actively seek collaboration and avoid provincialism. Forming research coalitions provides a supportive environment where peers can challenge ideas, refine methodologies, and collectively execute studies.

Imagine a coalition of libraries across Kentucky, southern Ohio, and West Virginia, uniting to support each other in research planning and execution. While face-to-face meetings can be valuable, teleconferences and webinars can facilitate ongoing collaboration. One library might bring expertise in statistical analysis, while another offers access to diverse populations. By pooling talents, resources, and mutual trust, these coalitions can produce impactful results.

Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitates idea exchange and support among researchers.
Resource Sharing: Combines diverse skills and access to varied populations.
Improved Research Quality: Multi-institutional projects increase transparency and reliability.

Multi-institutional collaborative research projects produce powerful results. Such projects are more likely to be unbiased, transparent, and reliable.

A Call to Action: Strengthening Our Research Ecosystem

The JMLA plays a crucial role in promoting effective communication and high-quality research within medical and health sciences librarianship.

To 'communicate' means to present research in an understandable and interesting way. 'Promote good research' means to encourage researchers to use the most sound and appropriate scientific models possible.

By fostering discussion and embracing innovative approaches, we can collectively elevate the quality and impact of library science research, leading to remarkable progress in the field.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3163/1536-5050.103.4.001, Alternate LINK

Title: Three Ideas To Advance Our Research Base

Subject: Library and Information Sciences

Journal: Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA

Publisher: University Library System, University of Pittsburgh

Authors: I. Diane Cooper

Published: 2015-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is evidence-based librarianship, and why is it important?

Evidence-based librarianship (EBL) is the practice of using solid research to inform decisions and improve outcomes in library science. The significance lies in its ability to transform everyday practices by grounding them in empirical evidence. This approach allows librarians to make informed choices, leading to better outcomes for the communities they serve. Its implications include more effective resource allocation, enhanced service quality, and a more responsive approach to community needs.

What are research coalitions, and why are they beneficial?

Building research coalitions involves forming collaborative groups of researchers to support each other in research planning and execution. The importance of this strategy lies in its ability to overcome the limitations of isolated research efforts. By combining different skills, resources, and access to diverse populations, coalitions produce impactful, transparent, and reliable results. The implications include improved research quality, enhanced collaboration, and more efficient resource utilization. An example might be multiple libraries forming a coalition to perform statistical analysis together.

How is data storage important to research in the field?

Data storage refers to the methods and systems used to preserve and manage research data. In the context of this field, effective data storage is critical for several reasons. It ensures the long-term availability and accessibility of research findings, which enables replication, validation, and further analysis. Proper data storage also promotes data sharing and collaboration. Without accessible data, research progress is hindered. The implications include the ability to conduct future studies based on the collected data. This is critical for reproducibility and reliability.

What are project clearinghouses, and what is their purpose?

Project clearinghouses are centralized repositories that collect, organize, and disseminate information about research projects. These clearinghouses are essential for enhancing transparency, avoiding duplication of effort, and facilitating collaboration. By providing a single point of access to project details, methodologies, and findings, they enable researchers to learn from each other's work. The implications include increased efficiency in research, improved knowledge sharing, and the promotion of best practices.

What is the role of the JMLA?

The journal *JMLA* plays a crucial role in promoting effective communication and high-quality research within medical and health sciences librarianship. By publishing research findings, methodological advancements, and discussions of current issues, *JMLA* supports knowledge dissemination and professional development. This fosters the growth of evidence-based practice. The implications include the advancement of the field through shared knowledge and the elevation of the practice through a commitment to evidence.