Researching Ourselves: A Critical Role for Librarians
Session Abstract
Conducting research is a critical aspect of our work as librarians, so that we can understand what works, what doesn't, and why. It can also help us demonstrate our value to others outside our profession by providing evidence of how what we do improves health, education, and research outcomes. Starting in research can be a challenge, but it starts with identifying questions that should be answered. Using the story of how I got involved in (and continue to do) research, we'll talk about the process of research and the benefits it can offer to one's career, library, and the profession.
Researching Ourselves: A Critical Role for Librarians
Melissa L. Rethlefsen
University of New Mexico Health Sciences Library & Informatics Center, United States of America
Conducting research is a critical aspect of our work as librarians, so that we can understand what works, what doesn't, and why. It can also help us demonstrate our value to others outside our profession by providing evidence of how what we do improves health, education, and research outcomes. Starting in research can be a challenge, but it starts with identifying questions that should be answered. Using the story of how I got involved in (and continue to do) research, we'll talk about the process of research and the benefits it can offer to one's career, library, and the profession.
Biography and Bibliography Melissa Rethlefsen is the Executive Director of the Health Sciences Library & Informatics Center at the University of New Mexico, a position she began in January 2021. Prior to her current position, she was the Associate Dean, George A. Smathers Libraries, and Fackler Director, Health Science Center Libraries, at the University of Florida. She has also worked at the University of Utah, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Department of Health, and the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on the role of librarians in improving research integrity, particularly in the reproducibility of systematic review searches.
