Qualitative research in evidence‐based practice: a valuable partnership

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the nature of the qualitative research paradigm, with a particular emphasis on the marginalization of qualitative approaches within the current discourse of evidence‐based librarianship.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents examples of qualitative research in the field of library and information studies, reviews the discourse of EBL as it relates to qualitative research, and also draws on debates in the health sciences on the role of qualitative research in evidence‐based practice.

Findings

EBL levels of evidence must evolve to include qualitative research, as these methods best suit many of the research questions addressed in LIS contexts.

Originality/value

There is currently little acknowledgement of the value of qualitative research for EBL; this paper dispels this notion, and calls for EBL to embrace these methods.

Citation

Given, L. (2006), "Qualitative research in evidence‐based practice: a valuable partnership", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 376-386. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830610692145