A Big Step Forward: It’s Time for a Database of Evidence Summaries in Library and Information Practice

Koufogiannakis, Denise; ., .; Pretty, Heather J.

doi:10.18438/b8033x

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Most of the criteria referred to characteristics of the Linguistic Attributes category [ 3 , 6 , 8 , 13 , 15 , 18 , 20 – 25 , 27 , 40 , 43 – 45 , 50 , 52 , 54 , 55 , 58 – 78 ]. For example, in some articles, it was recommended to use active rather than passive voice [ 8 , 15 , 25 , 69 , 73 , 75 ], and some articles provide more or less specific recommendations regarding the use of jargon: avoid jargon [ 54 , 64 , 71 – 73 , 75 – 78 ]; use only 2% jargon in the whole text [ 6 ]; use only short words or sentences, avoid polysyllabic words, acronyms or abbreviations [ 18 , 20 , 50 , 60 , 73 , 75 , 77 , 78 ]; avoid technical terms [ 66 , 72 ]; avoid potentially misunderstood words [ 20 ] or define terms if necessary [ 18 , 22 , 66 , 73 , 75 , 77 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Plain language summaries: A systematic review of theory, guidelines and empirical research

et al. 2022

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Plain language summaries (PLSs) have been introduced to communicate research in an understandable way to a nonexpert audience. Guidelines for writing PLSs have been developed and empirical research on PLSs has been conducted, but terminology and research approaches in this comparatively young field vary considerably. This prompted us to review the current state of the art of the theoretical and empirical literature on PLSs. The two main objectives of this review were to develop a conceptual framework for PLS theory, and to synthesize empirical evidence on PLS criteria. We began by searching Web of Science, PubMed, PsycInfo and PSYNDEX (last search 07/2021). In our review, we included empirical investigations of PLSs, reports on PLS development, PLS guidelines, and theoretical articles referring to PLSs. A conceptual framework was developed through content analysis. Empirical studies investigating effects of PLS criteria on defined outcomes were narratively synthesized. We identified 7,714 records, of which 90 articles met the inclusion criteria. All articles were used to develop a conceptual framework for PLSs which comprises 12 categories: six of PLS aims and six of PLS characteristics. Thirty-three articles empirically investigated effects of PLSs on several outcomes, but study designs were too heterogeneous to identify definite criteria for high-quality PLSs. Few studies identified effects of various criteria on accessibility, understanding, knowledge, communication of research, and empowerment. We did not find empirical evidence to support most of the criteria we identified in the PLS writing guidelines. We conclude that although considerable work on establishing and investigating PLSs is available, empirical evidence on criteria for high-quality PLSs remains scarce. The conceptual framework developed in this review may provide a valuable starting point for future guideline developers and PLS researchers.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Plain language summaries: A systematic review of theory, guidelines and empirical research

et al. 2022

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“…Sources for evidence-based research, such as assessment studies, systematic reviews, and evidence summaries, are typically searched in the journal literature. It has also been suggested that a database for evidence summaries be created to assist decision makers and librarianship as a whole [19].…”

Section: Measuring Qualitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These may be useful as an index to librarians seeking lists of assessment studies from high-quality publications. The lists may also have the potential to help build the empirical database envisioned by Koufogiannakis [19].…”

Section: Further Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Library Assessment Research: A Content Comparison from Three American Library Journals

2018

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Improvement of academic library services as an outcome of continuous assessment is an aim of libraries of higher education institutions. Academic libraries are realizing the need to document evidence of their value to the institutions and the patrons they serve. Publications that include assessment research are reaching library decision makers, who seek to apply evidence to improve services or implement best practices that benefit all stakeholders. Following two previous studies that reported longitudinally on front-line library services, this paper investigates current five-year trending of three prestigious academic library journals in the publication of assessment studies. Data for this study were drawn through a content analysis process, in which the investigators selected studies for inclusion using a set of criteria developed in a pilot exercise. After individually examining 649 research articles, published between 2012 and 2016, 126 met the study's selection criteria and were categorized according to the type of service they studied. Papers on information literacy instruction dominated, while reference services, technology, and general assessment studies saw less representation in the three journals. This finding reflects the priority placed upon information literacy instruction and describes how three American library journals are responding to current trends across academic libraries.

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A Big Step Forward: It’s Time for a Database of Evidence Summaries in Library and Information Practice

Abstract: No abstract.

Cited by 2 publications

References 2 publications

Plain language summaries: A systematic review of theory, guidelines and empirical research

Plain language summaries: A systematic review of theory, guidelines and empirical research

Library Assessment Research: A Content Comparison from Three American Library Journals

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