The Sherlock Librarian:Investigating Workplace Research

BeginnersNew

Library staff are often involved in problem solving as part of their daily roles, either on behalf of users or for themselves. Conducting research in the workplace is the next step but many find this a difficult one to take and often don't consider their work as research. Undertaking research in the workplace, both formal and informal, can help to generate solutions to problems, support a case of find out about your library but where do you start?

This one hour workshop introduces participants to the basics of undertaking workplace research including turning a problem into an actionable question, the skills needed and how to overcome common barriers. The workshop is suitable for complete novices, people wanting a quick refresher and those with just a passing interest.

• Cambridge University Librarians

• Further details regarding eligibility criteria are available

Number of sessions: 1

• What do we mean by 'workplace research'?
• Why undertake research in the workplace?
• Importance of evidence based practice
• Barriers to conducting research
• Skills developed during the research process
• Pros and cons of workplace research

• To develop an understanding of why librarians should become involved in research at every level
• To understand how workplace research can be undertaken at any level
• To understand how common barriers to undertaking research can be overcome
• To develop a basic research plan

Interactive workshop

Part of the Supporting Researchers in the 21st Century Programme

One session of one hour

• Librarian as Researcher
• Supporting Researchers in the 21st Century