Evidence-based decision making when refurnishing a medical library: a shorter way to better decisions?

Abstract

The question how to use the remaining open space after removing unused shelving gave us the idea to run an evidence-based library project at the Medicine and Dentistry Library at the University in Bergen. The transition from print to electronic literature has resulted in great physical changes in our library. Unnecessary bookshelves had to be removed and we had to decide what to do with the empty space in the library. We used evidence-based practice as a method for better decision making. The different steps during the project were: finding evidence from the literature, gathering information on user needs and preferences, involving our colleagues before making decisions. The results of the project were quite satisfying. Working evidence-based contributed positively to the decision making process, and we have proven that we can work evidence-based within a short time frame.