Fostering a research culture in UK library practice: barriers and solutions

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss how more of a research culture can be fostered within library practice and how universities and library professionals can work together to strengthen this important area. Design/methodology/approach - The paper provides a reflective viewpoint. Findings - The dangers of a lack of a research culture present the profession with potential issues that must be addressed if it is to remain vital. The profession and those involved in academic research must work more closely together to foster a research culture, and more emphasis should be placed in ensuring conferences have a research focus. Practical implication - The paper should be of interest to practitioners who wish to consider the importance of research in their professional practice. Originality/value - This paper discusses the challenges in creating a research culture in library practice, and as such offers a new debate on what key issues related to research impact on the profession of library and information science.