Library and information science practitioners and research

There is a continuing need for more and better research in the field of library and information science (LIS). However, many LIS practitioners are not heavily involved in research. To add to our knowledge of practitioners' involvement in research, 1,444 questionnaires were sent to members of the American Library Association, the American Society for Information Science and Technology, the Medical Library Association, and the Special Libraries Association. An analysis of 615 responses revealed the following: almost 90% of LIS practitioners in the United States and Canada regularly read at least one research journal, nearly 62% regularly read research-based articles, approximately 50% occasionally apply research results to professional practices, and 42% occasionally or frequently perform research related to their job or to the LIS profession. The data analysis also identified factors related to practitioners' involvement in research and determined how practitioners assess their research training and skills. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.