What are the practical issues in creating a knowledge base for the library and information profession? ln this article the authors explore this topic from a practitioner-researcher perspective in order to identify the issues which arise from undertaking research, informed by experiences when conducting a qualitative systematic review. The paper identifies barriers to using research, as perceived by library and information professionals, and discusses general issues encountered when undertaking research as a practitioner. It reports the experiences of conducting a systematic review of qualitative research in the area of critical appraisal skills, a review spanning several disciplines. The authors select several factors of particular importance to illustrate the specific challenges of creating an evidence base in library and information practice. They highlight many examples of pitfalls and difficulties, but also the payback and rewards, of doing research.