Solo Census: Demographics, Duties, Needs And Challenges

McLaughlin, Louise; Spencer, Angela; Zeblisky, Kathy; Liszczynskyj, Halyna; Laera, Elizabeth

doi:10.1080/15323269.2018.1437503

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Results show that there are many solo librarians supporting single sites as well as multiple sites, in some cases a single librarian is supporting 10 or more sites (see Figure 3). This data reflects the results of the solo census study by McLaughlin et al [23]. The MLA Hospital Libraries Section Standards Committee published standards for hospital libraries in 2008 which included staffing [24].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 70%

Benchmarking study of hospital libraries

Spencer¹,

Mamo²,

Billman³

2021

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Objectives: To assess the current landscape of hospital libraries by collecting benchmarking data from hospital librarians in the U.S. and other countries. Since the last MLA benchmarking survey in 2002 hospital libraries have faced significant changes including downsizing, position and library elimination, and hospital mergers. This survey will provides information to inform the development and implementation of effective advocacy for hospital libraries. Methods: A web-based, anonymous survey was designed to collect information from hospital librarians representing stand-alone hospitals and hospital systems. The 57-question survey was distributed via select list servs, targeting the US and Canada but open to any country. The topic areas covered hospital/health system, library, and library staff demographics; library characteristics and scope of service; interlibrary loan and document delivery; library funding; and library budget. Hospital library benchmarking surveys, including the previous MLA surveys, were reviewed and applicable questions were added. Results: There were a total of 180 respondents but the total number of responses for each question varied. Select results are as follows: of the responding libraries, 67.2% were part of a hospital system; 24.4% had merged with or were bought by another hospital or health system and, of those, 77.1% had acquired 1-5 hospitals in the last 10 years; 77.9% were not for profits; over half (55.2%) had <5,001 FTE in the organization; 56.9% had one library; 47.7% had 1 FTE librarian, 34.9% had 2-5; 82.1% did not or were not able to use social media; 60.7% didn’t have strategic plans; 66.1% belonged to a consortium; 48.2% provided up to 250 search requests a year; 66.3% did not receive funding outside of their organization; 32.5% had budgets for print books totaling less than $1,000; 30.1% had budgets, excluding salaries, of less than $100,000 and 9.7% had budgets over $1M. Conclusions: These findings contribute to the field’s knowledge of hospital library demographics as well as the services provided. The results suggest implications for hospital librarians regarding staffing levels and the depth of services within their unique settings, especially within the context of rapidly expanding health systems.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 70%

Benchmarking study of hospital libraries

Spencer¹,

Mamo²,

Billman³

2021

Hypothesis

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“…The hospital libraries benchmarking study by Spencer, Mamo, and Billman (2019) obtained data from 180 North American respondents about services, client groups, funding, and activity. The libraries were predominantly small, with one or two staff, yet the majority offered a wide range of services, confirming the breadth of skills noted by McLaughlin et al (2018). More than 80% held membership in their professional association.…”

Section: Benchmark Surveysmentioning

confidence: 53%

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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Quantification of solo librarianship within American academic libraries between fiscal years 2016 and 2019 using IPEDS data

Keating

2024

College & Undergraduate Libraries

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Solo Census: Demographics, Duties, Needs And Challenges

Cited by 5 publications

References 0 publications

Benchmarking study of hospital libraries

Benchmarking study of hospital libraries

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

Quantification of solo librarianship within American academic libraries between fiscal years 2016 and 2019 using IPEDS data

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