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What is Evidence-based Practice?
Evidence-based practice is a term that comes originally from the medical profession,
but can be applied to the library profession very easily by considering these
two dimensions of the term. According to Dr. Ross Todd, "two key dimensions
of evidence-based practice are conscientious, explicit and judicious use of
current best research findings in making decisions about the performance of
the day-to-day role, and where day-to-day professional work is directed towards
demonstrating the tangible impacts and outcomes of sound decision making and
implementation of organizational goals and objectives." Dr. Todd continues
by stating "you will know that you have achieved evidence-based practice
when you are able to provide convincing evidence that answers these questions:
- What differences do my school library and its learning initiatives make
to student learning outcomes?
- What are the differences, the tangible learning outcomes and learning benefits,
of my school library?"
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Three steps to understanding Evidence-based Practice
As you begin your search to learn more about evidence-based practice
(EBP), you will want to know that there are three steps to understanding
the workings of EBP.
- Know the research of the profession that demonstrates how effective
school libraries impact learning.
- Mesh this knowledge with your own "wisdom" to build student
learning.
- Work with your own school library and collect the evidence that you
do make a difference. (Todd, R.J. (Aug/Sept, 2003). School Libraries
& Evidence: Seize the Day, Begin the Future. Library Media Connections).
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