The poster was originally accepted for presentation at the 4th International Evidence Based Library and Information Practice Conference (EBLIP4, North Carolina, May 2007) to which ultimately, the authors were unable to attend. However, the NSW Health Libraries Forum 2007 provides an ideal opportunity to finally share this work with our peers. This year marks the ten-year anniversary of the term “evidence-based librarianship”. In 1997 this concept began its ascent from a discussion among likeminded library professionals into the published literature. It has continued to rise through the profession to occupy a place in the mainstream and afford librarians an enhanced view of the landscape in which they make decisions. Similarly, Down Under in Sydney, Australia, people have, for 75 years, crossed the Sydney Harbour Bridge the traditional way – along the eight-lane carriageway. Around the same time that Jonathan Eldredge’s Hypothesis article introduced “evidence-based librarianship” (11:3, pp.4-7), another pioneer was establishing BridgeClimb – an exciting new challenge with a fantastic view from the top, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge via the steel arch. Today, EBLIP practitioners are like the BridgeClimbers – ready to seek new perspectives, take a different route and enjoy the journey as well as achieving the destination. Adventurous BridgeClimbers ascend/cross the steel arch with confidence, supported by a well engineered structure and strong foundations. Libraries Using Evidence – eblip.net.au offers a similarly solid foundation of authoritative resources to support EBLIP practitioners as they seek different perspectives on their professional practice.

1. This poster was originally accepted for presentation at the
4th International Evidence Based Library and Information Practice Conference
(EBLIP4, North Carolina, May 2007).
Unfortunately, the presenters were unable to attend.
BACKGROUND
EBLIP4 coincides with the ten-year
anniversary of the term evidence-
based librarianship. In 1997 the
concept began its ascent from a
discussion among likeminded library
professionals into the published
literature. It has continued to rise
through the profession to occupy a
place in the mainstream and afford
librarians an enhanced view of the
landscape in which they make
decisions.
Similarly, Down Under in Sydney,
Australia, for 75 years people have
crossed the Sydney Harbour Bridge the
traditional way – along the eight-lane
carriageway. Around the same time
that Jonathan Eldredge’s Hypothesis
Libraries Using Evidence - eblip.net.au article introduced “evidence-based
librarianship” (11:3, pp.4-7), another
is a joint initiative of
pioneer was establishing BridgeClimb –
Northern Sydney Central Coast Health an exciting new challenge with a
and fantastic view from the top, climbing
The University of Newcastle, Australia the Sydney Harbour Bridge via the
steel arch. Today, EBLIP practitioners
are like the BridgeClimbers – ready to
seek new perspectives, take a
different route and enjoy the journey
as well as achieving the destination.
Adventurous BridgeClimbers cross the
steel arch with confidence, supported
by a well engineered structure and
strong foundations.
Libraries Using Evidence – eblip.net.au
offers a similarly solid foundation, of
authoritative resources to support EBLIP
practitioners as they seek different
perspectives on their professional
practice.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a practical toolkit to contribute to the evidence-based library and information practice (EBLIP) body of knowledge and support applica-
tion of EBLIP by practitioners worldwide. The toolkit will be developed with an EBLIP approach, and will incorporate Web 2.0/Library 2.0 techniques where
appropriate.
METHOD
A review of the literature was conducted to identify barriers to the application of evidence-based practice, and find any existing toolkits already addressing
such obstacles. Lack of time and difficulties locating and identifying EBLIP resources were identified as major barriers. The toolkit site was designed with the
aim of gathering together in one place high-quality resources to support EBLIP, thus saving librarians time otherwise spent searching for resources. An advi-
sory group with international representation was formed to guide development of the toolkit. Once the site was built it was promoted and feedback was
invited. The site was further developed and resources added in response to feedback received. Content contributions such as podcasts, reports of current
projects and links to related sites were encouraged from librarians worldwide.
RESULTS
• Libraries Using Evidence – eblip.net.au was launched in October 2006 and reported in Evidence Based Library and Information Practice
(1:3, pp.98-100). An international advisory group was established and continues to oversee development of the site.
• The site includes a toolkit of core EBLIP resources such as appraisal checklists, sources of evidence and guidelines for evaluation,
for the first time providing EBLIP practitioners worldwide with a single access point to these essential tools.
• Libraries Using Evidence – eblip.net.au is working with Evidence Based Library and Information Practice to help make
evidence summaries more accessible. The toolkit indexes all of the journal’s evidence summaries by domain of librari-
anship, and provides an RSS feed for each domain enabling readers to monitor new summaries in a particular area.
The journal’s homepage provides a link directly to this section of the toolkit.
• RSS feeds are also maintained announcing recent articles of interest, and Libraries Using Evidence – eblip.net.au
site updates. A number of high-profile EBLIP advocates contributed podcasts introducing sections of the EBLIP
Toolkit.
• Libraries using Evidence – eblip.net.au continues to support the vision of EBLIP as a global movement by
facilitating the exchange of ideas within the EBLIP community. The site encourages participation via
links to a blog, Facebook group, and discussion lists. The toolkit is listed as a useful resource by the Suzanne Lewis
recent FOLIO course, EBLIP-Gloss (http://eblip-gloss.pbwiki.com). slewis@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Northern Sydney Central Coast Health
CONCLUSION Gosford Hospital Library
The site will continue to be developed and promoted, with feedback encour-
Lisa Cotter
aged. The 4th International Evidence Based Library and Information Practice
lisa.cotter@newcastle.edu.au
Conference will provide a venue for promotion and feedback. Further
The University of Newcastle &
opportunities to include international library community participation using
Northern Sydney Central Coast Health
Web 2.0/Library 2.0 techniques and technologies will be investigated.
Gosford Hospital Library