Counting what counts: performance measurement and evidence‐based practice

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore conceptual and practical links between performance measurement and evidence‐based library and information practice (EBLIP) and to identify lessons to be learned from evidence‐based healthcare. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a selective review of key writings in EBLIP for reference to performance measurement. Findings The paper finds that performance measurement may variously be viewed as one small, but essential, stage of EBLIP or an overarching approach to utilisation of data of which research‐derived evidence is a single source Research limitations/implications Similarities and potential linkages between the two activities are currently underdeveloped and need to be explored through rigorous empirical research. Practical implications The stages of EBLIP are modelled in relation to a single case study of reference checking. Originality/value This is the first article to develop explicit links between these two areas of information practice, following in passim mentions at previous conferences.