Hospital Librarians Exploring New Frontiers in Community Outreach

1
Hospital Librarians Exploring New Frontiers in
Community Outreach

• Sally Harvey, MLS, AHIP
• Director of Learning Resources and CME
• Lora Robbins, MLS, MHSA, AHIP
• Librarian
• Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center
• Phoenix, Arizona

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Health Science Library Outreach

• National Library of Medicine outreach efforts
  history and context
• AIDS/HIV outreach efforts
• Trends

3
Outreach A Goal for Hospital Librarians?

• Smaller library projects are funded!
• Application process is fairly painless
• http//nnlm.gov/psr/funding_ops.html
• Can be done without external funding

4
Our Project Objectives

• To provide access and training for Body Positive
  staff and volunteers on the use of NLM electronic
  resources
• To provide training on AIDS and HIV information
  resources intended for the patient/consumer
• To provide access to information resources for
  Hispanic and/or minority healthcare professionals
  and consumers

5
Project Objectives, continued

• To develop training materials and brochures for
  accessing AIDS and HIV information
• To provide document delivery services through
  Loansome Doc
• To provide an ongoing link between the BGSMC
  Health Sciences Library, Body Positive and the
  community it serves

6
Choosing a Community-based Organization (CBO)

• Well-established, preferably well-funded
• Adequately staffed
• Already working with target population
• Information-intensive needs

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Lessons Learned

• Have clear goals and objectives
• Study information needs of clientele
• Prepare for cultural/ethnic differences among
  clientele
• Be aware of CBOs priorities and culture
• Find the right liaison at your CBO

8
Lessons Learned, continued

• Plan for a wide variety of abilities and literacy
  levels
• Prepare to provide technical support
• Provide training during regular meetings or
  existing programs or events
• Be flexible!

9
Benefits

• Institution Level
• Positive Public Relations
• Expanded opportunities for service/involvement
• Shows initiative
• Increased visibility without opening floodgates

10
Benefits continued

• Personal level
• Learning new materials and skills
• Satisfaction of providing access to info
• New opportunities