In this book we have attempted to provide you with an overview of the current state of EBLIP, as well as tools to help you develop an evidence-based approach. EBLIP has shifted over the years, developing from roots in EBM into a model that takes the unique context of LIS professionals into account. The model we have presented is one that was derived from observation, tested and developed by empirical research and, through the case approach in this book, has been demonstrated to be widely applicable across library sectors. The model takes a more holistic view of evidence as well as of the cyclical nature of professional decision making. It also considers barriers to practising in an evidence-based way. While we have presented a model with various stages, we want to emphasize that it is not the exact stages that are important. Having a model is a helpful way to consider and discuss aspects of the process and to break it down into steps that seem manageable. However, we hope that this book has emphasized that EBP is more about approaching practice with a particular mindset, rather than about checking off steps in a process.

Being evidence based means that you consider your practice from a curious and questioning perspective, with a view to continuous improvement. As such, you question what you are currently doing and think about possible ways to do things better. This questioning leads you to gather evidence sources that are best to help answer your questions. Where no good evidence sources exist, or to make sense of your context, you engage in gathering local evidence or in doing research that is appropriate to the question at hand. You share what you learn with others in order to improve the knowledge of the profession and grow a community of practice that ultimately changes the profession for the better. You implement solutions that you believe are the best, based on the evidence you have found, and then reflect on and further evaluate whether your new implementation has worked. You talk about what you are doing with your community of users, and listen to and incorporate their feedback, adapting services over time.