Embedded Librarians in Healthcare Facilities
Submitted by meg.hunt on Tue, 07/19/2016 - 18:35
Type of Pilot Project:
Public Service
Additional Contributors:
Heather Zeoli
Describe Project and Impact:
InterReach to area health care facilities would help people maximize their library memberships by receiving reference assistance at their point of need.
Project Description and Expected Outcomes:
This project would mobilize our CHIS (Consumer Health Information Specialist) librarians to provide on-site reference services at area health care facilities. When citizens are diagnosed with a new condition, they often leave the doctor's office with a number of questions unanswered. Embedded librarians will help members to search responsibly for health information online and show them what resources are available through their Metro Library: whether it's placing holds on cookbooks for diabetics or celiac patients, exploring a range of materials for expecting parents, or finding reference information about a new prescription medication, engaging members at the point of need will be an opportunity for us to share the health reference assistance our system has available.
This project could be employed alongside other healthcare InterReach concepts, or along with the many kiosk/pop-up library ideas others have submitted. In addition to on-site services, CHIS librarians could also help to provide ongoing digital support by updating and promoting Tailored Titles and resource lists centered around health-specific topics.
Why should we select this project?:
We already have a pool of trained, MLA-certified librarians, and this would be one way we could plug them into the community, connecting them with members at the point of information need. It would also be a fresh way for us to highlight the resources and services available in our libraries and online.
According to the United Health Foundation, our state ranks 45th in the nation for overall health (calculated in part by high numbers of citizens facing obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking among adults). The Metro Library can help empower our members to find high-quality health information as they leave the doctor's office: skills they can take home. This experience will also hopefully encourage them to come back to the library when they need practical, everyday information in the future.
Constraints, Limitations, or Dependencies:
We would have to build relationships and trust with partnering hospital(s) or facilities, possibly offering additional training to their staff. We would also need to be very clear with consumers that assistance provided is reference/information-related, and not medical advice.
Costs would be based on staff time dedicated to InterReach efforts, and any marketing generated to build awareness of this service.
Partner/Supporting Departments:
Digital Library
Marketing
Performance Indicators:
Market Penetration
Member Retention
Environment:
Extra-Library
Relationship:
Build
Experience:
InterReach
Cluster:
Occasionals
Inactives
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