Research engagement of health sciences librarians: a survey of research-related activities and attitudes

Abstract

Introduction: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.

Evidence-Based Library and Information Practice & Educational Needs of Health Librarians: National and International Trends

“…The extent to which health science librarians are engaged in research was also assessed 35 . Another study by Akers, et al, describer ORCID(open researcher and contributor ID) registry as a primer for librarians, by assigning unique 16 digit author identifiers that enable automatic linkages between researchers and their scholarly activities 36 .…”

Publication rate of presentation abstracts presented at the Canadian Health Libraries Association (CHLA/ABSC) annual meetings from 2004-2009

“…A study investigating librarian involvement in research activities such as integrating research into practice, conference presentation, publication, and grant writing reports a publication rate of 34% from librarian survey respondents (Lessick et al, 2016).…”

Fast five survey results and response

“…Response: Barriers include lack of time, lack of statistical support, and in some cases, lack of institutional support (see the special article by Lessick et al in this issue [6]). We will invite experts to share useful methods and techniques and will highlight successful approaches in special articles.…”