Every day, librarians address the unknowns of a changing community, a revolutionary technology, and a challenging mandate to help users. There is always more to know, always more to think about what we do because our practices are always open to change, and because we are engaged in responsible professional service. Research in library and information studies addresses the critical issues confronting library professionals, educators, and users. In an era of transformation, the challenges of planning and policy, information education, new patterns of service, library operations, and staffing require reliable grounding in knowledge.
Research produces new knowledge based on carefully collected evidence.
Research in libraries and information studies is conducted by librarians, educators, students, administrators, and consultants. Library Research Round Table is the only ALA unit exclusively devoted to research. Attend conference forums where research is the primary topic. Establish useful contacts with researchers in every sector of the field Keep current on research projects and emerging inquiry methods. Reward excellence through LRRT's Jesse H. Shera Awards.