What is EBP?

Last week many fortunate New Zealand librarians attended workshops with Ross Todd, a respected library expert visiting from the USA.  The focus of his presentation was Evidence Based Practice (EBP).  

How and why should this interest you?  Libraries are facing increasing challenges to stay relevant these changing times.  Questions are being asked as to what a school library contributes to learning outcomes, so the ability to prove your worth has never been more important.  Your library needs to be valued by staff and students. 

This is where your EBP skills come in.  You need to collect relevant data present it with flair.  You are your best advocate.  Don't wait until it is too late to show your worth.  Make connections with staff and students and show them what you have to offer.  Get the students to tell the library story.  Think about what types of information you need to support change and survey your users.  Use negative feedback to open conversations towards improvement.

Are you keeping up to date with technology?  Are you looking for new ways to assist teaching and learning in your school?  These are significant questions you need to consider as we change tact and sail into the digital age.  If students prefer to use the internet for research, are you able to guide them to better searching techniques?  This is your opportunity.  Look ahead at what services and skills will keep your library relevant and then go for it.  Don't sit around waiting for opportunities, go out and find them.  Ask to join the EBP Facebook group, 'like' the SLANZA Facebook page, follow some library blogs and challenge yourself to start your own blog.  Use your library webpage as a portal to celebrate learning.  Now is the time to sign up to Twitter and start following the librarians who are leading the way forward, they are full of ideas and suggestions which you can kick start your journey.  

SLANZA National Executive will be rolling out an abridged version of Ross's  presentation and soon a taping of his workshop will be available to members on the SLANZA website.  Don't miss your chance to pick up great ideas and challenges to improve services and energize your library!