title: Big Data - What is it and why it matters.
abstract: Big data, like MOOCs, altmetrics and open access, is a term that has been commonplace in the library community for some time yet, despite its prevalence, many in the library and information sector remain unsure of the relationship between big data and their roles. This editorial explores what big data could mean for the day-to-day practice of health library and information workers, presenting examples of big data in action, considering the ethics of accessing big data sets and the potential for new roles for library and information workers.
authors.affiliation: ScHARR. a.tattersall@sheffield.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Andy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tattersall
authors.affiliation: Health Information and Libraries Journal. m.j.grant@salford.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Maria J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Grant
mesh_terms: D057225:Data Mining / Q000639:trends*; D066264:Datasets as Topic; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000639:trends; D007993:Libraries, Medical; D007998:Library Science
keywords: librarianship, health science; libraries, health care; research and development; social media