Calling All Students!!!

Abstract

Abstract'Dissertations into Practice' is a new regular feature in the Health Information and Libraries Journal, which aims to encourage students to write for publication. The idea is that students will write an extended abstract of their health-related dissertations, outlining the methods used and commenting on the implications for practice. Co-written with their dissertation or workplace supervisor, this feature will provide a safe environment for students to see their writing in print, possibly for the first time, while ensuring that invaluable research reaches a wider audience than might otherwise be the case.

The story continues: an overview of the ‘Dissertations into Practice’ feature

“…In the first article, in which I introduced the feature, I referred to the research gap in the library and information world, often conceptualised as a tension between academics and practitioners. 1 In an update article in September 2015, 2 I suggested that this research gap was a continuing feature in our profession and that 'many information practitioners feel daunted by the idea of carrying out research, and lack the confidence needed to become involved in research activities'. 3 However, as I also pointed out, many practitioners are in fact conducting research without realising itcollecting and analysing data or evaluating an aspect of a serviceand small research projects such as those can be of value to a wider audience than the service's host organisation.…”

“…In the first article, in which I introduced the feature, I referred to the research gap in the library and information world, often conceptualised as a tension between academics and practitioners . In an update article in September 2015, I suggested that this research gap was a continuing feature in our profession and that ‘many information practitioners feel daunted by the idea of carrying out research, and lack the confidence needed to become involved in research activities’ .…”

Disseminate your findings

“…In this month’s issue we seek to address this research/practice gap with the introduction of a new feature specifically tasked with seeking to encourage students to close the research loop and engage in disseminating their project findings. Edited by Audrey Marshall, 5 Dissertations into Practice will provide a safe and structured environment for students, be it at undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD level, to summarise their research findings, describe their research methods and illustrate how the implications of their study could inform practice. Further details can be found towards the end of this issue 5 …”

“…Edited by Audrey Marshall, 5 Dissertations into Practice will provide a safe and structured environment for students, be it at undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD level, to summarise their research findings, describe their research methods and illustrate how the implications of their study could inform practice. Further details can be found towards the end of this issue 5 …”

Increasing impact in a time of decreasing budgets

“…Our Learning and Teaching in Action Editor Hannah Spring looks at the theories of learning, and specifically models of good practice for evidence‐based information skills teaching, again focusing on this key area for the health library and information professional . Finally, we introduce our new regular feature Dissertations into Practice , which calls for information studies students to submit their research to the journal, engaging with the next generation of health library and information professionals …”