Real World Research - Using Collaboration between Researcher and Practitioner to Maximize Research Outcomes

This paper focuses on the relationship between researcher and practitioner, and discusses the mutual benefits to each. Janet Murray's doctoral research used case study as a primary research technique. One of the case study schools was Essendon Keilor College in Victoria, where Barbara Bugg was then Head of Curriculum Resources. Both authors realised the benefits of working together and felt that it was important to communicate to others how the process worked. The paper will discuss the factors that contributed to the development of an excellent working relationship between the research team and the school library staff. Methods of effective communication, provision of feedback and dissemination of research results throughout the school are also described.