From Dreaming to Doing: Navigating the Research Pipeline

Medical librarians are now commonly expected to contribute to both the medical literature and the library profession through original research. The quality of research is dependent on a researcher's ability to both develop questions and methods and communicate their findings. This session will give attendees the tools and skills to develop their research from start to finish. Attendees will leave the session ready to identify research opportunities at their institutions, enabling them to take the first step into contributing to the field through original research. They will understand how to begin a research project and how to navigate barriers that medical librarians often face in conducting original research.

Panelists will address how to identify a research question, empowering librarians of all experience levels to improve the quality and frequency of their research output. In response to reported barriers to research activities, panelists will give examples on how to integrate research into regular work duties; apply for research funding; and find research mentors. A moderated discussion will facilitate an in-depth discussion of the topic. Time will be included for attendees to ask questions and share their own research challenges to encourage an ongoing dialogue about the medical librarian's role in research activities.