Search

The study's aim is twofold: first to determine the extent to which Australian library and information professionals produce research literature (specifically journal articles); and second to explore the status of the use of research literature by library and information science (LIS) practitioners as evidence for their practice. All articles published in the field of LIS in 2015 by Australian authors were analysed and seven interviews were conducted with Australian librarians. Out of 152 articles published in 2015 by Australian authors, 37 articles (20.3%) were authored by at least one practitioner, 29 articles (15.9%) were fully authored by practitioners, and eight articles were joint work by faculty members and practitioners. Australian LIS journals played an important role in providing a venue for the publication of articles authored by practitioners. Interviews showed that the use of research literature as evidence is not yet an institutionalised practice in the profession. Practitioners' expectations of research literature generated by academic researchers is not high for they believe academic research lacks relevance, applicability, and coverage, and is sometimes aspirational. They find commissioned research, practice-led research and professional research more valuable than academic research. Mailing lists play an important role in the dissemination and identification of research that is useful for practitioners. Research collaboration between practitioners and researchers should be facilitated and encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]