Edinburgh Napier University

  In recent years there has been growing recognition amongst the UK library and information profession of a need for a co-ordinated and strategic approach to Library and Information Science (LIS) research. Therefore in March 2009 the British Library (BL), the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), the Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) and the Research Information Network (RIN) signed a memorandum of understanding to invest in a new Coalition: the Library and Information Science Research Coalition. The implementation of the Coalition’s plans began in earnest in August 2009 with the appointment of an Executive Secretary to work two days a week on its behalf.

This paper reflects on the early achievements of the LIS Research Coalition with reference to its efforts to provide a formal structure to improve access to LIS research in the UK, and to maximise its relevance and impact. It also discusses progress on specific aims related to:

1. bringing together information about LIS research opportunities;
2. encouraging dialogue between research funders;
3. promoting LIS practitioner research and the translation of research outcomes into practice;
4. articulating a strategic approach to LIS research;
5. promoting the development of research capacity in LIS.

Also explored are the Coalition’s strategies for fostering an interest in LIS research amongst the practitioner community. The objective is to help practising librarians apply the outcomes of earlier studies routinely in the workplace, and also to encourage a greater proportion of practitioners to undertake research themselves. Means of building an evidence base dedicated to demonstrating the value and impact of library and information services are also considered in the paper.

The full text in English can be access from https://www.ifla.org/past-wlic/2010/87-hall-en.pdf’