Evolution, revolution, or obsolescence: an examination of writings on the future of health sciences libraries

McGowan, Julie J.

doi:10.3163/1536-5050.100.1.003

Cited by 8 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…As health sciences institutions are transforming, the health sciences library literature has noted opportunities for librarians in new roles as liaisons and informationists; [1][2][3][4] in expanded roles as clinical librarians; 5,6 and as knowledge managers. 7 While roles are changing, the attributes librarians need to successfully engage in and navigate through the emerging health sciences enterprise are not that different from those highlighted in Rachael Anderson's 1989 Janet Doe lecture.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

One Institution's Experience in Transforming the Health Sciences Library of the Future

Allee

Blumenthal

Jordan

et al. 2014

Medical Reference Services Quarterly

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Recognizing a need to be more relevant to its constituents, and aligned with institutional priorities, the Taubman Health Sciences Library redefined its mission, roles, and space. This transformation facilitated innovative, team-based collaborations within the health sciences community and the addition of new roles and responsibilities in academic and clinical engagement, research and informatics, enabling technologies, community outreach, and global health. Library space is being redesigned, and a branch library dedicated to interdisciplinary partnerships has been established. Information gained from this experience will be useful to other libraries faced with budget, resource, and staffing challenges and will offer practical ideas for becoming more integrated into the academic, research, and clinical work of the health sciences enterprise.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

One Institution's Experience in Transforming the Health Sciences Library of the Future

Allee

Blumenthal

Jordan

et al. 2014

Medical Reference Services Quarterly

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“…New competencies for these roles must be identified, defined, and developed for new roles such at the informationist, a hybrid of a medical librarian and a clinician, with knowledge of medicine and the data and knowledge bases required to support decision making. 17 …”

Section: The Future Is Nowmentioning

confidence: 97%

Impressions of an Old Master: Hospital Libraries and Librarians, 1970–2014

Taylor

2015

Medical Reference Services Quarterly

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“…The scoping review by Ma, Stahl, and Knotts (2018) described nine evolving and active roles, with embedded librarians as a strong theme. Several authors have identified external and occupational drivers of change, and discussed the need for the profession to respond (Brettle & Urquhart, 2011;Crum & Cooper, 2013;Henderson, 2014;Holst et al, 2009;Hopkins, 2017;King & Lapidus, 2015;McGowan, 2012;Murphy, 2013). Hallam et al (2010) concisely stated the challenges and outlook for the health librarian workforce: "Traditional library work is diminishing, professional boundaries are blurring, and emerging areas of work are being claimed by other professional groups" (p. 355).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Digital Health and Professional Identity in Australian Health Libraries: Evidence from the 2018 Australian Health Information Workforce Census

Gilbert¹,

Gray²,

Butler-Henderson³

et al. 2020

EBLIP

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Abstract Objective – This research aimed to examine the characteristics of the current health library professional workforce in Australia. The study also sought to explore the areas of health library competency domains and job functions that may reflect progress toward a specialized digital health information capability. Methods – Health librarians’ responses to the May 2018 Australian Health Information Workforce Census were analysed and compared with results obtained in earlier census counts. The health librarian characteristics were also compared with other health information occupations included in the Census. Results – There were 238 usable health librarian responses. These indicate that the health librarian workforce continues to be a comparatively mature population, with substantial experience, increasing involvement in data- and technology-intensive functions, high levels of professional association membership, and participation in continuing education activities. Notably there are emerging role titles and job functions which point to a greater digital health focus in the changing work realm. Conclusion – The health librarian workforce has adapted its skills, in line with the increased digital emphasis in health information work. However, as with other health information occupational groups, it is possible that health system planners and funders are not aware of librarians’ current functions and skills. This mature workforce may undergo significant attrition and consequent loss of expertise in the next decade. Continued advocacy and strategic planning around these factors with workforce, healthcare quality, and educational organizations will be required.

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Evolution, revolution, or obsolescence: an examination of writings on the future of health sciences libraries

Cited by 8 publications

References 18 publications

One Institution's Experience in Transforming the Health Sciences Library of the Future

One Institution's Experience in Transforming the Health Sciences Library of the Future

Impressions of an Old Master: Hospital Libraries and Librarians, 1970–2014

Digital Health and Professional Identity in Australian Health Libraries: Evidence from the 2018 Australian Health Information Workforce Census

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