Evidence-based librarianship: the EBL process

Purpose - The paper seeks to describe the EBL process in sufficient detail that the readers can apply it to their own professional practice. Design/methodology/approach - The paper takes the form of a narrative literature review. Findings - The EBL process can be summarized through its five steps: formulate a clearly defined, relevant, and answerable question; search for an answer in both the published and unpublished literature, plus any other authoritative resources, for the best available evidence; critically appraise the evidence; assess the relative value of expected benefits and costs of any decided upon action plan; and evaluate the effectiveness of the action plan. Originality/value - References for readers to pursue more in-depth research into any particular step or a specific aspect of the EBL process are provided. The EBL process assists librarians in applying the best available evidence to answering the more important questions facing their practice, their institutions, and the profession. This evidence can become the basis for making sound decisions.