Abstract
Building on its 1995 research policy statement, the Medical Library Association (MLA) has issued a new research policy, The Research Imperative. This paper shares the background research that informed the new policy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifty-one key informants representing various library types, functions, geographic locations, ages, and ethnicities. The grounded theory approach was used to analyze the resulting textual database. Additionally, to gather input from the membership as a whole, two open forums were held at MLA annual meetings. Key informant data indicated that the policy should provide roles for MLA in leadership, advocacy, collaboration, services, education, publishing, and development of a research agenda. Evidence-based library and information practice was emphasized. Six themes emerged to center the new policy: creation of a research culture, challenges, domains of research, research skills set, roles of stakeholders, and measurement of progress. Reflecting the interests and beliefs of the membership, The Research Imperative challenges MLA members to build a supportive culture that values and contributes to a research base that is recognized as an essential tool for future practice.
Highlights
In 2005, Joanne Gard Marshall, FMLA, president of the Medical Library Association (MLA), created a task force to review and revise Using Scientific Evidence to Improve Information Practice [1], the association’s research policy statement published in 1995
Participants were invited to envision the future of libraries, librarians, and MLA in 2020
MLA was seen as fostering relationships, certifying subject experts, promoting connections between education and practice, and facilitating the creation of a shared knowledgebase for the profession
Summary
In 2005, Joanne Gard Marshall, FMLA, president of the Medical Library Association (MLA), created a task force to review and revise Using Scientific Evidence to Improve Information Practice [1], the association’s research policy statement published in 1995. The Task Force on MLA’s Research Policy Statement chose to interpret research broadly, that is, as the systematic, careful, organized, and deliberate process of building a body of knowledge. This process can involve the discovery, confirmation, or revision of facts, concepts, principles, theories, or patterns of relationships between defined variables. After initially focusing on the state of research in the profession and barriers and incentives to its use and creation, the task force agreed that it was important to do its own exploratory, qualitative research before making any determination about a revision.
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