Results of a Survey to Benchmark Canadian Health Facility Libraries

Authors

  • Ada Ducas University of Manitoba
  • Lisa Demczuk University of Manitoba
  • Kerry Macdonald University of Manitoba

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5596/c15-008

Keywords:

benchmarking, hospital libraries

Abstract

Introduction: A benchmarking survey of Canadian health facility libraries was conducted to provide statistical data to support health librarians in the  anagement of their libraries. The objectives were to determine the status of
hospital libraries in Canada and to evaluate whether libraries meet the 2006 CHLA/ABSC Standards for Library and Information Services in Canadian Healthcare Facilities.

Methods: An online survey of 63 questions, with headings of institutional profile, administration, staffing, environment, resources, and services, was created and distributed to 250 heads of hospital libraries and to Canadian library email listservs.

Results: Many libraries are meeting some aspects of the Standards for administration and organization, management, traditional promotion, and accessibility. Areas of improvement include services, nontraditional promotion, library environment, and staffing.

Discussion: There are no current benchmarking data available for Canadian hospital libraries and there have been many political, economic, and technological changes in past years that have had a substantial impact on libraries. Anecdotal data suggest that librarians have responded to these changes through library closures, mergers, consortial affiliations, and modifications to services. Librarians will be able to use the collected data to compare services, establish best practices, make management decisions, and prepare self-studies for accreditation purposes.

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Published

2015-04-01

How to Cite

Ducas, A., Demczuk, L., & Macdonald, K. (2015). Results of a Survey to Benchmark Canadian Health Facility Libraries. Journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association Journal De l’Association Des bibliothèques De La Santé Du Canada, 36(1), 3–10. https://doi.org/10.5596/c15-008

Issue

Section

Research Articles