The Evidence library was previously known as the invoNET library and it developed from a project commissioned by the INVOLVE Evidence, Knowledge and Learning Group in 2007. It has been developed for people with an interest in research into public involvement in research.

It includes references (reports and articles) that cover:

• the impact of public involvement on research
• the nature and extent of public involvement in research, for example mapping public involvement
• reflections on public involvement in research.

It also includes other pieces of work that shed new light or provide a new perspective on public involvement in research.

It does not include case studies or descriptions of good practice which can be found in the Putting it into practice database. Reports of research projects where the public have been involved are only included if they contain a substantial amount of critical analysis or substantial reflection on the impact or the nature of involvement.

While the main focus is on public involvement in NHS, public health and social care research, studies of service user involvement in service development are included when the lessons can be generalised.

The references included in the library are also available in the Evidence Bibliography – the fifth edition is now available.