From Data to Insights: Developing a Tool to Enhance Our Decision Making Using Reflexive Thematic Analysis and Qualitative Evidence

Abstract

ABSTRACT Evidence based library and information practice (EBLIP) encourages us to use evidence to inform our practice and professional decision making. Evidence, such as user feedback, can help ensure that our decisions match to the needs of our community. However, to extract insights from qualitative evidences such as user feedback to inform our professional judgement, we must be able to analyse this data: a feat complicated by our having limited training in research skills across the Library and Information Science (LIS) sector. To support our use of evidence in our decision making, we can develop personal ‘tools’. Tools offer a transparent structure which we can use to guide our data analysis, while also providing a learning and reflection framework for our ongoing development. This article will guide the reader through the construction of a minimalistic tool for analysing qualitative evidence for use in personal or organisational LIS decision making, informed by pragmatism and reflexive thematic analysis.