Journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association / Journal de l'Association des bibliothèques de la santé du Canada

Editor's Message

2018-12-11T11:14:26-07:00

CHLA/ABSC Announcements

2019-02-19T21:03:40-07:00

Cannabis on campus: gateway to student health literacy for academic health science librarians

2018-12-11T11:14:26-07:00

Introduction: Effective July 1, 2018, the smoking of recreational cannabis will become legal in Canada, and Provincial legislation will soon follow. The objective of this paper is to determine how Canadian universities are responding to this new reality via provision of web-based education and awareness materials through campus health centres. The paper explores what framework might exist or be created to partner academic health sciences librarians with student health services in the provision of best practice research for students and clinicians.

Method: A scan of English Canadian university websites was undertaken to determine whether information on cannabis or marijuana directed at students was available, and whether identifiable resources in the area of health science librarians or subject guides were available.

Results: Results of a website scan indicated that only 10.4% of universities have material available on cannabis whereas some 62% have qualified professional librarians associated with health sciences who could provide guidance on such material.

Discussion: Academic librarians and libraries already play a pivotal role in the retention and support of student academic goals through liaison, reference and instruction. There is precedent as well in some institutions for library partnerships with student services areas such as career services, accessibility and common book programs. This paper suggest that the complex factors related to cannabis education and health literacy in general present a unique opportunity for academic health science librarians to engage and partner with university health services and clinicians and grow the presence and influence of librarian support on university campuses.

Preferred but not Required: Examining Research Data Management Roles in Health Science Librarian Positions

2018-12-11T11:14:26-07:00

Introduction: Research data management (RDM) is being recognized as an increasingly important role for librarians. In this paper, the role of health science librarians in supporting research data management endeavors is examined.

Methods: All job postings currently (as of April 5^th, 2018) available on the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Information (iSchool) job site were analyzed to identify positions related to health science librarianship. The job responsibilities and descriptions were then examined to identify instances where research data management was mentioned.

Results: Thirty-two postings from the search results were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. Of these thirty-two health science librarian postings which were included in the analysis, eight included supporting research data management services, in some capacity, as part of the position description.

Discussion/ Conclusion: Through the job posting analysis, a picture emerges where RDM is not consistently seen as a role for health science librarians. However, the literature indicates that in many instances, research data management is already being done by health science librarians, and is a trend which is likely to continue in the future. As such, it is important that research data management services start being acknowledged and reflected in education and job description opportunities.

Transforming a Library Service within a Provincial Healthcare Organization: Forging a New Path

2018-12-11T11:14:26-07:00

Introduction: Prior to 2011, libraries within Alberta Health Services (AHS) operated using a variety of self-determining service models across 19 locations. Evaluation of library services demonstrated significant gaps in service delivery and access to resources, cost inefficiencies and variation in library service standards across the province. National and international trends reflected ongoing library closures and challenges to demonstrate library contributions to organizational goals and improvements in health information literacy.

Description: In January 2011, all AHS library services were aligned under the Knowledge Management Department to capitalize on the natural fit between libraries as conduits to evidence and knowledge management practices that support the use of evidence in practice. The mandate was to develop enterprise-wide library resources and services to support clinical decision-making and quality patient care under the umbrella of the Knowledge Resource Service (KRS). The Business Case for KRS Optimization guided this initiative.

Outcome: KRS is now a focal point for access to, and expertise in, healthcare information resources and services. Organization-wide evaluations conducted in 2011 and 2014 show increased user satisfaction, while utilization analytics reflect continued growth.

Discussion: The KRS Optimization Initiative was a proactive, internally driven effort to extend library services and resources beyond the traditional library space, streamline ‘back-office’ functions and allow staff to contribute to organizational initiatives. The path has been winding yet lessons learnt include the value of dedicated staff, teamwork, and maintaining a focus on improving service for all AHS staff and clinicians.

TRIP Database

2018-12-11T11:14:26-07:00

Based in the United Kingdom, TRIP (Turning Research Into Practice) is a clinical research database that allows users to search across multiple sources of information and publication types using a single interface.

Epistemonikos

2018-12-11T11:14:26-07:00

The Epistemonikos Database introduces efficiency to the task of answering the question: what systematic reviews exist on a given topic, and which primary studies do they include?

Crash Course in Time Management for Library Staff

2018-12-11T11:14:26-07:00

Medical Library Association Guide to Developing Consumer Health Collections

2018-12-11T11:14:26-07:00