Where Do We Grow From Here? An Evaluation of Library Services to a Provincial Health Authority

Abstract

Introduction: Across Canada various models have evolved for providing health sciences libraries services and resources regionally, provincially, and nationally. “Equitable access to high-quality evidence-based information for all health science professionals” is a key driver. Description: Since 2000, one academic health library and its seven affiliated hospital libraries have provided access to resources and services to over 28,000 staff in a provincial regional health authority. Services include literature searches, document delivery, training, and, for some locations, access to databases, point-of-care tools, and online journals. Our participation in a 2013 large-scale, multi-site study on the value and impact of library and information services on patient care provided critical evaluation data from physicians, residents and nurses. However, other health professionals were excluded from the study and it did not explore the specifics of the library services provided to this region. Evaluation Method: In 2013 a 24-item web-based survey was created with input from the regional staff, university faculty, and librarians. Survey questions included rating scales and open-ended questions. The survey was distributed by email and received 1000 responses from a diverse group of health professionals. Discussion: The results of this survey provided important information on which libraries, services and resources were used most frequently; how they were rated; and barriers that staff encountered in accessing and using them. Utilizing this information is critical to planning for the evolution and growth of library services within the region.