Narrative-based Practice

The telling of stories lies at the heart of human communication. In this important new book Peter Brophy introduces and explains the concept of story-telling or narrative-based practice in teaching, research, professional practice and organizations. He illustrates the deficiencies in evidence-based practice models, which focus on quantitative rather than qualitative evidence, and highlights the importance of narrative by drawing on insights from fields as disparate as pedagogy, anthropology, knowledge management and management practice. This book is essential reading for professionals, scholars and students in the many disciplines currently using evidence-based practice, such as information management, health, social policy, librarianship and general management.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Preface; Evidence-based practice; Theoretical background; The nature of narrative; Learning; Knowledge and knowledge management; Narrative in virtual worlds; Narrative in organizations; Narrative-based practice; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.

About the Author :
Peter Brophy is Professor of Information Management, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.

Review :
Narrative-Based Practice is a significant and timely addition to the literature. It is well researched and well written and the choice and use of real-life examples and case studies is particularly apt. There is much of value to both the general practitioner and the specialist researcher in a whole range of fields where NBP has a serious validity. And it is a good read! David Baker, University College Plymouth Marjon, UK Peter Brophy's new book is a wide-ranging and humane argument for a radical new approach to the management and evaluation of libraries and information services. In promoting narrative-based practice, Brophy convincingly reasserts the validity of each individual's unique perspective, whether as staff or user, challenging us to re-engage with the vital role of library and information services in the digital age. Rowena Cullen, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand 'This very readable book presents a compelling argument for considering narrative-based practice in addition to evidence-based practice (EBP)...The subject matter of the book is applicable to anyone currently using EBP, including professionals working in healthcare, education and information management...it also deserves to be read by anyone with an interest in the workings of organisations, whether from an academic or practitioner perspective, as it provides fascinating insight into the use and potential mis-use of narrative in the working environment...I highly recommend this book.' The Electronic Library 'The narrative is erudite yet imaginative: "Stories possess subtle, half-hidden rhythms of what it is like to be human, to live in this crazy, frustrating, fascinating, exciting world" (p. 34). There are few scholarly books that could contribute so much to knowledge in such a compelling way.' Library Management 'Narrative-based Practice is an important book in the field of narrative-based practice and draws on the substantial experience and knowledge of the author, in addition to using many theoretical and practical studies. The book is unique as it has a broad range of relevance across many disciplines and would be applicable across a wide range of areas such as social policy, libraries and information management, health, and business management. It is recommended for purchase by libraries in universities and colleges of advanced education for academics, professionals and students. It is also available as an e-book. This book gives a theoretical basis to narrative, yet weaves in real-life examples from a wide range of areas and provides a satisfactory and thought provoking read.' Library Review