Which Information Behavior Concepts Bridge the Gap from Research to Reference Practice?

Abstract

ABSTRACTAlthough there is much discussion of the theory/practice gap in library and information science, there is little research about how librarians use formal theory in their practice. Using a card sort and interviews, we explore the extent to which public librarians encounter or use theoretical concepts and models from information behavior in their reference practice. Results from our pilot study show that our procedures, including plain language descriptions of theoretical concepts and models printed on cards, are effective for eliciting examples of theory in practice. Librarians are clear about which concepts are relevant to their practice and can easily provide examples of real‐world application. Results of the study will suggest which theoretical concepts might be most important for instructors to teach to students in reference courses and which translate best from the research to the practice environment. In addition, the examples provided by librarians of how they use the concepts in their practice will be useful for instructors as they try to engage students in learning.