"Sleuthing and Science: Adventures in the Past and Future of Medicine"

In this era of Google and Wikipedia, tight acquisitions budgets, consortial purchasing and package licensing, Dr. Duffin's work causes us to pause and remember our role as stewards of unique collections. Dr. Duffin is a medical historian whose sleuthing has led her to libraries, archives, and special collections around the world. The discoveries she's made, the secrets she's unearthed! Her most recent book is on medical miracles, based on work she did at the Vatican archives and library. Heritage meets innovation in Dr. Duffin's online collaborative translation project Consilia of Paolo Zacchia, where volunteers translate the advice of the 17th century father of forensic medicine from Latin to English. Will unique collections be preserved, and how has digitization furthered Dr. Duffin's research and discovery?↑ Back to top

Like many others in the academy, Udo and Sergio, both philosophers at Queen's University, hold considered views on the question of the 'open access' versus 'subscription' models in academic publishing. As it turns out, they find themselves on opposite sides of the spectrum. Sergio thinks that 'open access' is ultimately the way to go, while Udo thinks that the 'open access' business model is fatally flawed. Unlike Sergio, Udo carries the baggage of a serious conflict of interest, being the paid editor of a monthly subscription based journal. The two of them have engaged in vigorous debates about the pros and cons of both models on various occasions. During our conference they will put their respective cases to the audience test. Each of them will talk for about 15 min, with a 5 min slot for a rejoinder available to both. Afterwards we will open up the debate to the floor.↑ Back to top

“Personalities at Work: Toward a Free Trait Agreement for Health Sciences Librarians”

In “Personalities at Work: Toward a Free Trait Agreement for Health Sciences Librarians” Dr. Little will present a spirited and novel approach to looking at traits of personality. Whereas many contemporary psychologists look at fixed traits that are “set like plaster” by the age of thirty, Dr. Little examines what he calls “free traits” and argues that we, as a species, are essentially half-plastered. Free traits, according to Little, are enacted to advance core personal projects that bring meaning to our lives. They may be enacted out of professionalism. They may also be enacted out of love. They are what make us distinctively human. And, because acting out of character can cause stress and compromise our immune systems, engaging in free trait behaviour can bring us to our knees. Dr. Little proposes a Free Trait Agreement in which we are able to find restorative resources in our work and home environments, in which we can indulge our “first natures”. His presentations have been described as hilarious, touching and deeply informative.↑ Back to top

Introduction: Internationally, health care scholars recognize the instrumental role that library scientists play in knowledge translation (KT) and the ‘activation’ of evidence for practice. In this presentation the Canadian Institutes of Health Research KT framework will be discussed with particular focus on the library scientist roles and function. Background: Library scientists have been essential on teams working on this quest for evidence-based practice from both a practice and scholarship/research perspective. Their role and function goes well beyond the availability of relevant books and resources. Rather it involves an integral participation and scholarly contribution in both education and research initiatives in the health care disciplines. At the Queen’s School of Nursing we have evolved this collaboration on several regional and national initiatives. These will be used as examples to describe this increasingly important expanded function. Discussion: Systematic review and research teams are strengthened in the competitive research environment through the collaboration with library scientists. It is well recognized that library scientists’ involvement methodologically clearly strengthens the search, retrieval and synthesis of available evidence. As scholars in this area, the library scientist role and commitment requires continued training and education in the ‘science of synthesis’ methodologies (e.g. Cochrane and Joanna Briggs). However the contribution of library science in activating this knowledge is not so well recognized. This emerging area of interest will be a focus with regard to the adaptation and use of guidelines. It is hoped that the presentation will peek interest in building stronger links and opportunities for increasing the ‘KT community of practice’.↑ Back to top

Introduction: Scoping studies which are conducted to locate all relevant research require highly sensitive strategies and wide-ranging supplemental searching and the same degree of transparency as the systematic review. This paper describes how the application of traditional systematic review search guidelines supported the process of a physical therapy mapping review and reports on the analysis of the results.
Method: The standard search strategy methodologies included the topic definition, an iterative search strategy development, and a detailed record of where references were located. The final set of studies selected for inclusion in the mapping review was used to evaluate database coverage, indexing issues, and the value of supplemental searches.
Discussion: Use of a standardized search methodology provided a good basis for collaboration and communication, and provided a stable framework for search strategy formation across a variety of sources. Detailed record keeping provided the data for to analyze database and journal coverage, expose indexing issues, evaluate the impact of supplemental searches on finding missed citations, and reveal issues associated with title and abstract screening.
Conclusion: Use of the methodologies from the outset was vital for providing structure during a dynamic and iterative process, for tracking and reporting progress, and for data analysis. The examination of resources and comparison of results highlights the elusive nature of physical therapy evidence and supports the need for multiple sources and a variety of strategies.↑ Back to top

Introduction: Realist review is a recently developed methodology (1). McGill researchers identified this methodology as the most promising for two public health projects (benefits of participatory research methodologies; health and climate change). The objective of this paper is to describe the realist review methodology and to identify searching needs for realist reviews.
Methods: From experience in McGill projects and through a review of documentation on and published reports of realist reviews, features of this methodology, including searching needs, will be identified.
Results: Realist review methodology is not yet fully developed and understood. Searching for realist reviews is as exhaustive as that for systematic reviews. However, identifying clusters of papers associated with projects included in the review and the need to locate “mid-range theories” add complexity.
Discussion: Realist review is a promising methodology gaining attention from funding bodies including CIHR(2). Librarians will find the methodology of interest both for researchers they serve and for library research. Search supporting a realist review is similar to that for a systematic review with differences arising from the need to investigate theories as well as the data themselves.

1. Pawson R, Greenhalgh T, Harvey G, Walshe K. Realist review--a new method of systematic review designed for complex policy interventions. J Health Serv Res Policy. 2005 Jul;10 Suppl 1:21-34.
2. Tetroe J. Knowledge translation at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research: a primer. National Centre for the Dissemination of Disability Research Focus. Technical Brief No. 18, 2007. 8 pp. Accessed January 11, 2010: http://www.ncddr.org/kt/products/focus/focus18/

Introduction: Peel Public Health is integrating the concept of evidence-informed decision-making into daily practice. The current library service was identified as a key element necessary to support staff in this vision. A review of library service was undertaken to assess the current level of support it was providing to clients.
Methods: A needs assessment was undertaken and included data from a web-based survey, a focus group and interviews. This information was incorporated with relevant library best practices to form recommendations as well as short and long term goals that will position the library to support evidence-based decision-making.
Results: The results of the needs assessment showed of those who answered the survey (n=223), just over half indicated that they used the library. There was an indication of low usage of some services such as the physical library and catalog; a high use of electronic journals; a preference and value for secondary resources like systematic reviews; and a high demand for continued training.
Discussion and conclusions: The proposed recommendations and planning structure were accepted. The primary recommendations included re-visioning the library service to incorporate the concepts of evidence-based practice and knowledge translation as integral to the service, adding human resources in order to provide the specialized service that is required and ensuring that the electronic (text and database) and print resources are appropriate to the needs of the organization are purchased. Additional training will also be provided to the current library staff.↑ Back to top

Introduction: (Objective and scope) This study was conducted as a follow up to a survey administered in 1996 of hospital libraries in Ontario, by Kathy You of the Sault Area Hospital. The objective was to determine changes in practice and environment from 1996 to 2008, and to use the data to draw conclusions about the directions of change and implications for future practice in hospital libraries.
Methods: The 1996 Survey of Hospital Libraries in Ontario, with 28 participants, was used as the basis for a new survey, in order to obtain comparative data, and revised to introduce questions that would not have been relevant in 1996. Questions were both qualitative and quantitative. The revised survey was posted electronically, and requests for participation were sent via email to the membership of the Ontario Health Libraries Association, as well as additional contacts known to the authors.
Results: Forty-four complete and 12 incomplete results were collected from June 2 to July 17, 2009. The data was analyzed for significant trends or differences.
Discussion: Many changes are reflected in the results of the survey: changes in staffing patterns, budgets, resource purchases, Docline use and an emphasis on collaborative purchasing and resource-sharing are all apparent. A statistical analysis of these changes will demonstrate the areas of most change, and how these areas reflect changes in practice by health librarians, and external forces. The authors will discuss how these may be relevant to future trends.↑ Back to top

Introduction: Health sciences librarians are familiar with PICO (patient, intervention, comparison, outcome), the question-formulating structure proposed by the evidence-based practice (EBP) framework for describing answerable clinical questions. Librarians teaching EBP encourage clinicians and students to phrase their questions using PICO to increase the likelihood of finding answers. This research compares question-formulating structures proposed in the health and social sciences, (e.g., PICO, PECODR, PESICO, SPICE, ECLIPSE) against actual clinical questions collected from rehabilitation therapists to determine the suitability and utility of the structures in supporting question negotiation.
Method: A qualitative approach was taken to explore the clinical questions of rehabilitation therapists (occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech-language pathologists) working in stroke care. The diary-interview method was employed for data making; a journal was kept by each informant to document clinical questions, followed by a semi-structured narrative interview to elucidate details. Clinical questions and interview transcripts were analyzed inductively and deductively to reveal question elements.
Results: Preliminary results suggest that clinical questions initially identified by rehabilitation therapists contain a few but not all of the elements from any single question-framing structure. Further discussion with informants revealed that other elements may be present and relevant, but not explicitly identified.
Discussion: Taylor’s theory of question negotiation, which describes a crucial element of the reference interview, is useful for understanding how clinicians ask questions and why they do not always fit with the PICO structure prescribed in EBP. Considering other question-formulation structures may be of use in guiding the reference interview.↑ Back to top

Purpose: While conducting a ‘grounded theory study’ to find out how 4th year nursing students conduct their research, the author had the opportunity to interview a number of students. Although background reading and a qualitative research class was undertaken on the topic of interviewing before the interviews took place, the author learned some valuable “on the job” lessons while going through the process of the interviews. This session proposes to delve into the topic of interviewing, whether it be for a formal research study, or to informally gather information from users, and hopes to pass along valuable lessons learned.
Setting: The interviews took place in 2009 and 2010 at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), in Saskatoon. Some interviews were held in vacant offices in the Library, and some were held in the Interview Room of the Qualitative Research Centre at the U of S. All interviewees were fourth year students from the College of Nursing at U of S.
Method: Although the ideal way to collect this data would have been direct observation of the students, the discontinuous nature of the students’ research process would have made direct observation challenging. Simply interviewing students about how they usually do research would most likely have resulted in simplified, scaled down versions of how students went about finding information, which would not serve the purpose of exploring the searching process. Asking students to document the process as they work through the assignment provided a more detailed, and accurate record of the process. After collecting the journals, and reviewing their contents, the researcher arranged to meet with each participant individually to conduct a semi-structured interview. The follow up interview was used to help flush out the entries made in the journals, and to allow the researcher to clarify the steps each participant took in the process of locating information. With the participants’ permission, the interviews were audiotaped.
Results: The process of conducting interviews was a learning experience. Challenges that arose included recruiting participants, finding a suitable setting for the interviews, drafting effective questions, and analyzing and reporting the results. Discussion: Interviewing is a valuable research tool for gathering “rich” data. When used appropriately, interviewing can provide invaluable data that illuminates our patrons’ experiences, helping us to understand the meaning that they have made from their experience. With some training and experience, librarians can learn to be effective interviewers and start tapping into that ‘rich’ data.↑ Back to top

Introduction: Content analysis of LIS research articles is an effective way of creating a snapshot of a particular element of the profession at a particular time. Conference programs are potentially another source of data for researching the profession. However, they have not been used as such, despite capturing information not likely to be found elsewhere: CE offerings, non-published research, and non-research presentations. The purpose of this research is to identify what CHLA conference programs might tell us about health sciences librarianship in Canada in the last nine years, specifically looking at the question of much research is being presented at the conferences.
Methods: Quantitative ontent analysis is used to identify how many contributed paper abstracts and poster abstracts can be classified as research.
Results: Preliminary results identified 144 contributed papers between 2001-2009. The number of papers varied through the years from a low of 9 to a high of 20. Approximately 1/3 of the papers were identified as research, but there is great variation from year to year.
Discussion: Can any research trends be identified from the conference abstracts? What kind of conclusions, if any, can be drawn from the results of this content analysis? Some of the challenges in this research included operationalizing how research would be identified and how the findings might be of practical use. Future work includes looking at CE offerings and a more in depth analysis of the non-research abstracts. The author would like to thank Connie Winther for being a seconder in the data extraction process.↑ Back to top

Objective: To measure the value and impact of a clinical librarian on residents and clerks doing rotation in a large tertiary care centre.
Method: Residents and clerks were pre-assigned to one of two patient care teams. Each team had a month-long rotation on the General Medicine Teaching unit. The Clinical Librarian joined the Intervention team for either morning intake, rounds, or afternoon patient list review, providing as required, immediate literature searches, formal group instruction, informal bedside teaching and/or individual mentoring for use of pre-appraised resources and EBM search techniques. The intervention team completed pre and post surveys comparing their confidence levels and awareness of resources as well as their self-reported use of evidence for making patient care decisions. The non-intervention team was surveyed as the control group.
Results: 88% reported having changed a treatment plan based on skills taught by the clinical librarian and 79% changed a treatment plan based on the librarian’s mediated search support.
Conclusion: The Clinical Librarian had a significant impact on patient care both by teaching residents to independently locate and evaluate resources to support patient care decisions and by providing that evidence though mediated searching. Clinical librarians can improve patient care decisions and outcomes and are important members of the interdisciplinary team.↑ Back to top

Introduction: Health care practitioners across Alberta (and Canada) have varying levels of access to information resources depending on their institutional and professional affiliations, yet access to current health information is crucial for all. This project will investigate the current health information needs of University of Alberta (U of A) health sciences students and alumni, and their levels of access to resources.
Methods: Representatives of professional associations have been interviewed regarding resources offered to members and perceptions of their members’ needs. U of A students and alumni from all health sciences faculties will be surveyed to identify their levels of awareness and use of specific resources, their information-seeking behaviours, and their most desired types of resources. Focus groups will be conducted to supplement the survey data. Results of the surveys and focus groups will be analyzed.
Results: Findings from the association interviews indicate that only half provide members with access to licensed databases, with cost being a major barrier. The majority provide access to various publications. The electronic survey is underway; results are forthcoming.
Discussion: Health practitioner access to current, high quality health information is essential for maintaining professional competence and improving clinical practice. This study will provide an indication of where information access gaps exist, and may inform the development of services to alumni at the U of A Libraries.↑ Back to top

Health information professionals provide value-added services by utilizing the latest online information tools to enhance established practices. The Ontario Public Health Libraries Association did just that when they took on the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS) live literature searches project.

On January 1, 2009, the OPHS replaced the existing provincial Mandatory Health Programs and Services guidelines as the document which sets out the minimum requirements for essential public health programs and services in Ontario (under the authority of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7). Except where governed by protocols, the requirements in the OPHS specify the type of program or service which must be in place at the municipal level without mandating a specific health intervention (as the effectiveness of public health interventions varies according to the characteristics of the target population).

To assist front line public health staff in implementing the requirements of the OPHS, the OPHLA created an evidence base for each requirement which collocates information on the effectiveness of public health interventions across different settings. OPHLA members collaboratively developed 140 “live” literature searches which they tailored to meet unique public health program planning and delivery needs and retrieve key review articles. OPHLA also developed complementary instructional guides on advanced searching and critical appraisal of scientific literature. These live searches contain a wealth of public health keywords and subject headings and are now freely available on the OPHS website, which has received excellent feedback and been highly accessed by public health practitioners. ↑ Back to top

Purpose: To qualitatively assess the library’s importance as a physical space with today’s millennial digital native students.
Setting: The Gerstein Science Information Centre at the University of Toronto is the largest academic science and medicine library in Canada. Over the past ten years the library has undergone extensive renovations to create more study space and improve wayfinding. The recently restored reading room, which had been buried and unused for many decades, has received two awards for the revelation of its stunning architecture. In addition, this year the Gerstein Library will be honouring the centennial of its much used journal stacks.
Methods: A review of the literature on academic library physical space will be conducted. The results of the 2006-2007 LibQual survey at the University of Toronto will be assessed for comments on physical facilities; gate counts over the years will be assessed. User comments on the newly renovated space will be gathered via surveys.
Results: The disruptions to users and the concerted efforts of staff during the long periods of renovation have been well worth the effort to create a library which is now a desired destination on campus as attested by student usage as well as blog and Twitter comments. The handsome reading rooms are now constantly full of students silently engaged in contemplation or studying, proving the importance to students of attractive surroundings.
Discussion: Extensive staff effort on the library’s virtual presence is appreciated by students and faculty; however, the physical space remains vitally important.↑ Back to top

Introduction: Sir William Osler (1849-1919) is among the most famous names in medical history. A graduate and professor of medicine at McGill, he went on to found the Johns Hopkins medical school and hospital (1889-1905), and be Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford University (1905-1919). The McGill Library recently digitized its collection of approximately 400 Osler photographs held in its Osler Library of the History of Medicine. This project met the Library’s objectives of making McGill’s collections of unique material more accessible and developing a prototype for future digitization projects based on best practices as opposed to the ad hoc approach of previous efforts.
Methods: A Library team consisting of a cataloguer, special collections librarians and technical experts was brought together in 2008 to carry out the project. A metadata consultant was also hired by the Library. An external grant paid for a project cataloguing librarian and a student to scan the photographs and to produce publicity material.
Results: A template developed for digital projects at McGill; A standard metadata schema established for all digitization projects; An application profile defining each metadata element created, along with a user guide; Much greater visibility for our unique material, including inclusion in the Canadiana Discovery Portal.
Discussion: The prototype established has been used successfully in subsequent digitization projects at McGill. The website was well received by core user groups and reached new ones.↑ Back to top

Objective: Nursing staff frequently receive nutrition questions from their patients, and need access to peer-reviewed, evidence-based information to respond accurately to these questions. The current study sought to identify information access and barriers of nurses in obtaining nutrition information.
Methods: A questionnaire was designed and sent to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses providing direct patient care who had been employed in the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR) for at least one year.
Results and Discussion: Of the 1090 surveys distributed 142 were returned, for a response rate of 13%. Of those that responded, 89 % indicated that they do not consult RQHR librarians to access nutrition information but 80% indicated they did general internet searching. In addition approximately 40% of nurses indicated they experienced barriers to accessing nutrition information which included lack of time, uncertainty of where to look, and lack of computer access.
Conclusion: The results of this study provided the first step in creating a library plan to address information access and barriers that exist not only for nursing staff but for the Health Region as a whole.↑ Back to top

As self-management support activities and processes for managing chronic diseases are increasingly seen as the responsibility of an informed and active health consumer, patients require more and better education and training, and access to current, quality-filtered self-management tools and resources. In order for patient self-management to be tangibly effective in changing patients’ behavior and lives, information alone is not enough. Easy-to-use, readable, patient-centric content must be combined with appropriate learning opportunities and strategies for behavioral change in order to effectively reduce the negative outcomes of chronic illnesses. This presentation will overview the issues that impact on the increased focus on self-management in primary care settings, and on an individual’s ability to understand and use consumer health information for patient self-management of common chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, hypertension, heart disease, and others. The impact of the readability and design of consumer health resources; and the impact of patients’ numeracy, health literacy and health information skills on health and behavioral outcomes will be discussed. This presentation overviews current library-based programs and projects that address the barriers to effective patient self-management. Strategies that librarians can implement to improve patient self-management materials, resources and access to quality and usable content will also be shared.↑ Back to top

Introduction: Librarians and nurses working to create patient education material (PEM) identified a clear need for centralized guidance throughout the process and for establishing best practices to support patient safety. This need led to the formation of the Patient Education Network (PEN), a hospital-wide interprofessional working group. The goal of PEN is to improve the quality and dissemination of patient education materials developed at the Jewish General Hospital (JGH) and to expand the library’s leadership role.
Methods: PEN is co-chaired by a librarian and a nurse, with stakeholders throughout the hospital, including Nursing, Quality Program, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Dietetics, Public Affairs and Communications, Family Medicine etc. PEN’s first project was a handbook, How to Create Effective Patient Learning Materials, adapted from McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) guidelines. A needs assessment, environmental scan across North America, and fundraising have been done in preparation for a second project: a centralized online PEM database.
Results: The PEN Handbook has been used by various departments and health care professionals throughout the hospital, and has been included in a McGill University Masters of Nursing course pack. A practicum student began developing the database in January 2010. PEN was asked to participate in the hospital’s recent Accreditation process.
Discussion: The interprofessional nature of PEN has improved the library’s ability to raise awareness of the importance of quality PEM as a key element in the provision of patient health infomration to promote safer healthcare within the hospital, and enabled the group to provide guidance throughout the process of creating and disseminating these materials.↑ Back to top

Objectives: CHLA/ABSC has a record of support for open access (OA): converting the association’s journal to an OA model, speaking out publicly in favour of the CIHR/IRSC research access policy, and providing resources to keep members abreast of changes to health information access. This paper updates health librarians on the state of OA initiatives - including research, policy and trends - in Canada today, and discusses OA-related emerging opportunities for health librarians.
Methods: Drawing on evidence gathered from literature review and environmental scanning, this paper discusses the state of OA in Canada in 2010.
Results: A brief history of OA with emphasis on health and medical information is presented, followed by updates on the current status of each of the following types of initiative: scholarly publishers and publishing; academic institutional responses, initiatives and policies; research funder policies and initiatives; open data initiatives; and OA-related research. Canada – particularly our health research sector - has experienced a high level of OA activity in recent years, and emerged as an international leader in some areas.
Discussion: Health and biomedical information has been at centre of much OA activity for the past decade, due in part to unique characteristics of medical publishing and health as a field of research and practice. The scene in 2010 is vastly different than it was just a few years ago, and continues to evolve rapidly. The growing prominence of OA provides opportunities for health librarians to take on new roles as experts in scholarly communications and preservation of research and data.↑ Back to top

Introduction: Is your library leaving paper slips behind and making the shift to electronic book ordering? Memorial University’s Health Sciences Library is currently facing such a conundrum, and in response, is testing four electronic book selection tools to determine the option best suited for our work. Careful consideration is required when choosing the most appropriate electronic ordering tool, and during our session, we will highlight the process we undertook to arrive at our decision.
Methods: In an ongoing analysis, we will review four electronic book selection tools based on these criteria: ease of use, performance, data quality, product availability, timeliness, customer service, and vendor discounts.
Results: Yet to be determined.
Discussion: Attend this session to learn about our research findings, and receive practical advice on some of the electronic book ordering tools available to Canadian libraries. Highlighting the pros and cons of four existing tools, we will present our recommendations on which system best meets our needs.↑ Back to top

Introduction: In August 2008, the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Medicine requested a significant portion of the Health Sciences Library space to accommodate an increasing undergraduate medical student class size. In return, they would fund a complete renovation of the remaining space. This necessitated a deep reduction in the print monograph and serials collections within a tight timeline.
Methods: For monographs, we developed parameters for what was to be weeded and identified “candidates” through collections usage reports generated from our SirsiDynix integrated library system. Choices were to withdraw, move to low-use storage or retain. Titles were identified by year acquired and number of times circulated; store or withdraw decisions were based on the difficulty to re-access or re-acquire the title should that become necessary. We clarified collection policies in our History of Medicine collection and reference collections to exclude texts where the content is readily available elsewhere. Pre-1990 journal backsets available through secure e-archives had already been moved to remote storage. This time, we targeted for storage those up to 1999 not duplicated at the main MacKimmie Library and available electronically. Duplicates were withdrawn.
Results: In about 10 weeks, about 50% of the monograph collection was withdrawn to storage and 5% discarded. Serials withdrawals were completed recently and we are analyzing the count.
Discussion: Rules based on low-usage, format and cost to re-acquire can be used to rapidly identify titles for weeding, storage or retention. Using lists can be a relatively straight-forward and efficient way downsize a library collection.↑ Back to top

(* Indicates corresponding author)

Background: In 2007, the SOGC and the Museum of Health Care at Kingston began a partnership aimed at preserving artefacts representative of the development of obstetrical and gynaecological innovations by Canadians. In undertaking this partnership, both organizations are responding to a critical lack of appropriate repositories for the preservation of the health care sector’s material legacy. This joint initiative also represents an opportunity to promote and celebrate health care history in Canada.
Program Objective: We aim to preserve the history of the ob/gyn specialty, contribute to the ongoing support of the Museum, and promote heritage programming in the health care sector. This program will also encourage specialty societies to recognize themselves as stakeholders in heritage institutions, thereby fostering greater involvement and improved results. Partnership activities to date include the donation of SOGC’s instruments to the Museum, a promotional campaign inviting member contributions, and an installation by the Museum at SOGC’s National Office showcasing the development of Dr. Jacques-Émile Rioux’s bipolar tubal forceps. Future plans include the development of outreach tools, such as travelling displays for annual and regional meetings.
Expected Outcome: Among the anticipated benefits of the program is a representative collection of obstetrical and gynaecological development that is appropriately housed, preserved and publicly accessible. By encouraging member involvement, we expect to increase publicity and support for the Museum’s activity and growth. We also anticipate that success in this partnership will benefit the cultural community by encouraging collaboration between the Museum and other specialty societies. ↑ Back to top

Background: The Manitoba Association of Health Information Providers (MAHIP), formerly Manitoba Health Libraries Association, has been in existence since 1976. The membership has been inspired to undertake a history project to create an accessible and dynamic repository of association documents and memories, reflecting almost 35 years of chapter activity. Objective: The history project was undertaken with the goal of establishing an open-access digital repository of association documents and supplementary materials and establishing a timeline of association achievement.
Methods: A working group from the association was formed to gather, sort and organize documents related to the creation, business and activities of the association. Criteria were developed for the retention of documents. Selected core documents reflecting the course of the association’s history were digitized and posted on a wiki developed as the online platform for the repository. Personal reflections about the association were captured and added to the repository.
Results: From the initial collection, sorting and organizing of association documents, the MAHIP history project has resulted in the following outcomes: a retention policy for association materials, an organized collection of documents for deposit to the Manitoba Archives and a dynamic, online repository of digitized materials and personal interviews. A timeline of achievement reflecting the highlights of association history has been developed.
Discussion: This history project has resulted in an accessible and rich resource for the history of health libraries and health information provision in the province of Manitoba. The project contributes to the heritage of health librarianship in Canada.↑ Back to top

Background: In 2007, the Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick. at the Université de Moncton began a medical teaching program affiliated with Université de Sherbrooke. Soon after, in 2008 the province of New Brunswick merged 8 regional health authorities into 2 health authorities. The division was made largely along linguistic lines.
Methods: It was identified that a large portion of the hospital library resources in francophone NB were not readably searchable. This became an issue with influx of students moving around the province and new doctors seeking online resources, particularly in rural areas. A pilot project began with the largest French medical library in the province (Hôpital régional Dr Georges-L-Dumont) with the integration of their book collection into the Université de Moncton Éloize library catalogue. A cost-sharing partnership was developed. The holding list was expanded and new listings were added as need be. This publicly available catalogue is now searchable by students and staff from all hospitals and the university community. The second phase is ongoing and involves the integration of holdings from the 3 other medical libraries in the health region: Bathurst, Campbellton and Edmundston.
Expected Outcome: The end goal will be to set up an automated system for province-wide lending. The poster will detail the steps taken to create a regional health catalogue, the issues encountered and the benefits of this new database. In addition, future plans will be outlined with recommendations welcomed from other CHLA participants.↑ Back to top

Introduction: In 2009, Memorial University completed a reclamation project to fully integrate library holdings into WorldCat. A major motivation behind this was to embark on a pilot project with WorldCat Local, an available discovery layer. Following the reclamation, an eight member WorldCat Local Implementation Committee was created, encompassing systems, cataloguing, public service, electronic resources, serials and circulation expertise. In January 2010, this group will begin to assess and evaluate this tool. Memorial’s experience speaks to the conference theme of “Honouring Heritage, Inspiring Innovation”: can library holdings at Memorial University be successfully discovered via this exciting new tool while honouring relevant and traditional discovery values? Areas to be discussed include: overseeing customization and testing of the WorldCat Local interface; what WorldCat Local means for access to health sciences information; and Memorial University Libraries’ next steps with this exciting pilot project.
Methods: At the time of submission, no formal methodology has been used.
Results: Results detailing the functionality of WorldCat Local at Memorial University have yet to be determined.
Discussion: Attendees will obtain recent and relevant insight and practical advice. This session will be of interest to anyone intrigued by discovery layers and their implications. This session will also offer the perfect opportunity to discuss the various discovery layers being used, or considered, across Canada.↑ Back to top

Introduction: Information Specialists at the BMJ Evidence Centre were challenged with an increasing workload of regular updating searches, but with no significant increase in resources to facilitate this. In order to minimise the amount of duplication between related searches for different products, we devised a new search process to integrate and streamline search strategies and appraisal, whilst still delivering different search requirements.
Methods: We mapped the different medical conditions covered by the various products and decided which overlapped sufficiently to be grouped together under one all encompassing search. We devised new general search strategies to broaden out all the conditions covered and to accommodate these new groupings. We then instigated a two-tier appraisal approach, first identifying systematic reviews, RCTs and guidelines on the appropriate condition, before those selected, were appraised again for specific products as required.
Results: We have part completed the process of transition to this new search system. Whilst it has been tricky to get things set up and to adjust to this different format, we have found that combining searches together does help streamline processing tasks. Once an update is done for one product, it reduces the work required to update another on the same condition. It also creates a general collection of good quality articles that could be used for further product updates or expansion of condition coverage.
Discussion: We are finding this an interesting way to manage increasing search requests and it has expanded the range of searches that the same team can cover.↑ Back to top

Introduction: Presently there is a large overlap of journal titles in the databases Medline and CINAHL. In addition the ease of use of interface for each database is quite different. Recognizing this overlap and difference of interface, one questions the need to search both databases for all clinical nursing questions.
Purpose: To compare results of nursing-related searches conducted in the databases Ovid Medline and CINAHL to determine whether, given time constraints, it is always beneficial to utilize both databases to obtain the highest quality and most relevant search results.
Method: Twenty nursing questions will be selected from our literature search database and a search run on each question in Ovid Medline and CINAHL databases using subject headings and keywords. The time required to complete the search in each database will be recorded. The results found will be entered into a Reference Manager database and reviewed for duplication and unique references. Any differences in results will be analyzed for relevancy and quality.
Results: To be determined.
Discussion: As time is a factor when doing clinical nursing questions in a hospital environment, libraries must regularly evaluate which databases provide the most relevant and quality results in an easily retrievable manner.↑ Back to top

Objective: All but approximately 2% of PubMed citations are found in Medline. Our objective was to establish a search filter for retrieving PubMed citations that are not found in OVID’s version of Medline.
Methods: Representatives from OVID and the National Library of Medicine (NLM) were contacted to provide background information on the content found in Medline and PubMed. Further information was gathered from web-based sources. Proposed filters were tested by a team of information specialists by comparing the results of identical searches in the two databases.
Results: Two search filters were developed. The first was based on PubMed/Medline status fields while an additional filter was based on the PubMed entry date. A search on the term “publisher” in the PubMed status field was found to be effective in identifying the vast majority of PubMed citations not found in Medline. An additional search filter limiting to very recently added PubMed citations was also found to be useful. Discussion: In reality, there is no fool-proof way to limit PubMed searches solely to citations that are not found in Medline. There is a considerable flow of information between the two databases before a citation is completely processed. As a result, the status field for an individual citation is updated regularly, making precise searching difficult. However, the above filters were found to work well in identifying unique PubMed citations.↑ Back to top

Introduction: Information literacy is highly integrated into the undergraduate medical education program offered by the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. However, the Faculty is large and diverse, and also includes medical residencies, graduate research programs in clinical and basic medical sciences departments. Many individuals are remotely located. This project involves a needs assessment to identify gaps in current instruction, a realignment of teaching priorities and the use of asynchronous delivery mechanisms.
Methods: Methods included surveying constituents within the Faculty, meeting with key stakeholders and collaborators, analyzing relevant program documents, and conducting a literature review of available research.
Results: Full results are forthcoming. Early findings indicate need for an increased focus on alternate modes of delivery, especially online delivery, as well as point-of-need instruction. Clinical and research needs of various groups are now more clearly defined and understood.
Discussion: This research identifies existing gaps in instruction and potential improvements. Liaison librarians will now implement an information literacy strategy that ensures that all groups receive the appropriate level of instruction necessary for their learning, research, and practice. Some anticipated changes include strategic delivery of instruction and complementing classroom instruction with more in-person and distance outreach initiatives. A fully integrated online presence is also needed to better accommodate off-campus users and provide assistance at point-of-need. This strategy will be delivered and assessed in staged implementation over the next few years.↑ Back to top

Introduction: In the autumn of 2008, the Health Sciences Library of the University of Ottawa was invited to participate in the orientation session for the new faculty of the Faculty of Medicine. What has followed is an ongoing partnership in which the library is integrated into the continuing professional development accredited training program offered by the Office of Faculty Development.
Methods: Drawing on our experiences with our users, we created a list of possible workshops that would be relevant to members of the faculty in a clinical or research milieu. The Office of Faculty development took our recommendations to their advisory committee who in turn selected three sessions for 2008/09. The Office of Faculty Development packaged, marketed and managed the logistics of the sessions. Each session included a hands-on approach to learning in a computer laboratory with two librarians. It was essential that participants felt their time was spent acquiring and practicing a new skill.
Results: Three different sessions were delivered which covered a variety of topics including literature searching, RSS feeds, choosing and using Point of Care Tools, and citation analysis. The partnership promoted our services to an established network of users who responded with enthusiasm. This small group, hands-on format has given us a wealth of usability information and feedback.
Discussion: Partnering outside the traditional library affiliations has led to increased visibility. The marketing of these sessions has generated downstream connections to clinical and research based faculty who would otherwise not benefit from our expertise.↑ Back to top

Situation : Dans le cadre du cours « Données factuelles en santé mentale » offert par la Faculté de médecine aux résidents III en psychiatrie, la formation documentaire donnée par la bibliothécaire a évolué au cours des quatre dernières années afin de mieux répondre aux objectifs de ce cours visant à promouvoir une pratique clinique basée sur des données factuelles.
Programme : En 2006, les résidents en psychiatrie participent à un atelier de formation de 3 heures sur les ressources documentaires en pratique factuelle, tenu à la Bibliothèque de la santé. En 2007, le professeur responsable du cours « Données factuelles en santé mentale » demande l’ajout d’un atelier pratique avancé de 3 heures afin que les résidents explorent davantage les ressources utilisées lors de l’atelier de formation. Depuis 2008, la bibliothécaire participe aussi activement à la séance où les résidents présentent oralement en classe les résultats de leur recherche documentaire sur une question clinique de leur choix.
Résultats : La bibliothécaire participe maintenant à 9 heures sur un total de 45 heures de cours. Cette collaboration présente des avantages pour tous. La participation de la bibliothécaire aux présentations orales des résidents lui a permis de mieux comprendre la façon dont les résidents abordent une question clinique et utilisent les outils de recherche documentaires. Les discussions entre les résidents, le professeur et la bibliothécaire ont également permis de mieux cerner le rôle et l’apport du bibliothécaire au sein d’une équipe multidisciplinaire en santé mentale.
Conclusion : La participation de la bibliothécaire à ce cours est maintenant bien établie. Il serait intéressant de pouvoir éventuellement offrir une formation semblable aux résidents des autres spécialités médicales.↑ Back to top

Introduction: Inspiring Innovation through collaboration – Instruction in an interdisciplinary setting has become an exciting challenge in academic health science libraries. The authors would like to share their experience in combining subject expertise of Engineering and Dentistry to create an instructional workshop for a Biomedical Engineering graduate course.
Background: The first year graduate course BME 1450 (Bioengineering) is mandatory in the Biomedical Engineering Program, which leads to a Masters of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.). Admission to the M.A.Sc. requires a bachelor in engineering, medicine, dentistry, or other physical or biological sciences. The educational background of the students in this program varies and it is therefore important for them to become familiar with the available resources in both medicine and engineering. The course itself, BME 1450, requires the students to form groups, conduct research on a bioengineering topic and present the results in a poster.
Methods: The librarians instructed a one and a half hour workshop to cover searching medical (PubMed, Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library) and engineering databases (IEEE, Compendex, Scopus and Web of Science).
Discussion: Exposure to resources in both fields provided a broader knowledge of available tools for their research needs. It was also a great learning experience for the novice librarians to step out of the comfort zone and apply their subject expertise in an interdisciplinary setting.↑ Back to top

Introduction: The Wendy Patrick Health Information Collection at McGill University is named and funded in honour of a deceased nursing librarian. Started in the 1990s, the collection has its roots in a public health clinic and is now housed as a separate collection in the Life Sciences Library at McGill. Its original focus on resources for the public of Montreal has been hindered by the library policy that does not allow for books to circulate to the public without a paid membership. This poster examines how to best honour the collection established in Wendy Patrick’s memory while promoting the innovative use of the current collection.
Methods: The librarian undertook a project in 2009 to update the collection through the deselection of 200 out-of-date books and the purchase of new 70 titles. These new materials, and most new titles since, were chosen to focus on the student population and their own health concerns. Results: Through the librarians’ observations, these new materials seem to be popular, though meaningful circulation statistics are not yet available.
Discussion: Many questions remain about this collection. Would integrating it into the general collection increase its use or make it more difficult to find materials? Should the collection be given a more descriptive name? How can the collection be best advertised to the McGill students and staff? This poster is meant to encourage a dialogue with other health librarians on the role of a consumer health collection in an academic library.↑ Back to top

Introduction: A September 2007 Health Literacy Report from the Canadian Council on Learning indicated Richmond has one of the lowest health literacy rates in the country. In response, the Richmond Health Advisory Committee, residents who advise senior management of Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) on ways to consult with the community, hosted a public forum on health literacy in 2008. A partnership between VCH and the Richmond Public Library (RPL) was established to identify ways that health care workers could promote health information that could support patients to manage their chronic conditions. This project had two goals; 1- gather recommended titles from physicians and health care clinicians to build public and hospital based library collections of materials that will support patients in the management of their chronic conditions, 2- help patients develop skills in accessing, understanding and using health information to better manage their chronic conditions by asking health practitioners to refer patients to use the libraries resources.
Methods: Physicians and health practitioners were targeted through meetings and other methods and provided with: bookmarks; flyers; prescription pads; and a dedicated health webpage on RPL site that allows practitioners to recommend books online at any time.
Conclusion: Formally launched in April 2009 the RPL and the Patient/Family Library at Richmond Hospital added space and increased access to health related materials and online access to reputable health sites. To date both libraries have built an impressive collection of resources to support residents, patients and family members in the management of chronic conditions.↑ Back to top

Introduction: The Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) library team, which serves a large geographic area in southwestern British Columbia, wanted to reach out to the allied health professionals in their health authority who were noted to be infrequent library users.
Description: The library team created a special website comprised almost entirely of content from RSS feeds. The site contains current health headlines from respected news sources and provides a single place to view the most recent articles and guidelines related to each allied health discipline. The leaders of each professional group determined the topics they needed to be kept up to date on then the library staff performed focused literature searches using MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. The searches were saved as alerts and exported using RSS Feeds which were then loaded onto the website. The users see only the five most recently indexed articles on the topics they determined were most relevant to their discipline and their work within VCH. The content of the site is automatically populated by search alerts and daily news feeds so it is always current and very easy to maintain.
Outcomes and Discussion: What started out as a small idea has quickly grown into a great new service and a special website that is truly relevant and patron driven. To date, the site contains over 90 search alerts for 15 different professional groups. The library staff continue to receive requests for additional topics and are looking forward to expanding the service to other health disciplines. http://www.vchlibraryservices.blogspot.com ↑ Back to top

Introduction: In a 2004 survey of 3,000 Canadians about their Internet use, the Canadian Internet Project found that 54.4% of respondents searched for health information. By 2007 the number had jumped to 70%. Both surveys found that most people use a general search engine such as Google or Yahoo. Health information providers know that general search engines are not the most effective way to locate quality health information websites. Librarians and other health information providers know about specific health portals, and about how to assess the quality of information in a website.
Methods: In 2006, a subcommittee of the Consumer Health Information Provider’s Interest Group (CHIPIG) surveyed health science librarians, public librarians, and health promotion specialists for recommendations of quality Canadian consumer health websites. A list of 10 websites was developed and presented in a round-table discussion at the CHLA Conference in Vancouver. Three of the websites on that list no longer exist, including the Canadian Health Network. CHIPIG repeated the survey in 2010 and has created an updated list. Once again, we asked librarians and other health information providers to submit their favourite Canadian consumer health information websites for consideration. The criteria we used include credibility, content, audience, currency, and disclaimers.
Results: We will distribute the results to librarians and health promotion specialists so that they can recommend the websites to consumers and to health care providers.↑ Back to top

Introduction: The health care environment requires hospital libraries to develop strategies for providing consumer health information (CHI). The assumption is that consumers who are well informed will become an empowered partner in their health and the system. This is a particular challenge for people who have limited English proficiency (LEP). Language barriers have adverse effects on: access to health care, quality of care, patient safety, patient outcomes, patient rights, and provider satisfaction (Divi, Koss, Schmaltz & Loeb, 2007). The objective of this poster is to share successful strategies in removing language barriers to receiving consumer health information.
Methods: Tools, projects and services provided by a patient and family library in a hospital/multicultural community setting in Toronto, Ontario Canada will be described and illustrated. The Toronto Western Hospital patient and family library provides services to patients, families, visitors and the community. Consumer Health information is provided by a Librarian, Health information Specialist and Community Health Educator. We provide over 420000 services per year. Feedback and evaluation is central to our services. Evaluative strategies and results of this data will be highlighted.
Discussion: The overall strategies outlined in the poster are aimed to encourage organizations to plan and develop programs with the intent to address health literacy and provide multi-lingual access to consumer health information. The implications for policy, delivery or practice include: effective collaboration, community outreach/partnership, events/ Initiatives that promote health literacy and education, multi-lingual collections, use of technology, utilization of multi-lingual staff, and evaluation and feedback.↑ Back to top

Advocacy efforts are described within the Health Information Network: a strategic partnership between the University of Calgary and the former Calgary Health Region and the former Alberta Cancer Board. Creating awareness and understanding of the Health Information Network led to significant opportunities for innovation and participation on research projects including a six month clinical librarian trial. Also, through the partnership structure advocates are cultivated throughout the organization.↑ Back to top

Introduction: The Seniors Health Research Transfer Network (SHRTN) is a knowledge exchange network that seeks to improve the health and health care of seniors in Ontario. All parts of the network are continually challenged to identify ways to demonstrate value and measure impact.
Methods: The Library Service developed a survey for measuring client satisfaction, perceived value, and the impact that the library products and services had on the practice and decision-making of clients. This survey was distributed to a large, randomly selected cross-section of clients. Those respondents that indicated that the Library Service had had an impact on their practice and decision-making were contacted for a semi-structured follow-up interview. The interviews were used to construct narratives expanding upon the impact described in the survey.
Results: Clients are overwhelmingly satisfied with the products and services they receive and place a high value on them. The Library Service is having a significant impact on clients practice and decision-making.
Discussion: The impacts described can be categorized into a number of useful areas that provide a basis for strategic planning, for understanding the impact of SHRTN as a knowledge exchange network, and provide a basis for ongoing improvement and action. They make it clear that the library service is one of the main pillars of this knowledge exchange network.
Conclusion: The survey and structured interview methods used in this evaluation process may be of some use to other library networks seeking new ways to demonstrate value and to measure impact.↑ Back to top

Introduction: We know little about the impact of specific information objects retrieved by health professionals from electronic knowledge resources. Inspired by the ‘Acquisition-Cognition-Application’ model of information use, we developed the Information Assessment Method (IAM). We examined the use and validity of IAM linked to searches conducted by family physicians in practice.
Methods: This is a quantitative component of a mixed methods study. Over one year, 40 practicing family physicians searched Essential Evidence Plus® and rated their information hits using IAM. Acquisition was operationalized as seven reasons for searching. Cognitive impact was a construct comprised of ten items and 8 factors. Application was based on whether the information was or will be used for a specific patient.
Results: 1,767 searches resulted in 3,300 rated information hits (average 44 rated searches and 83 rated hits per physician). Acquisition: Most searches (75%) were done for more than one reason; most frequently, to address a clinical question (74%). In 1,336 searches (76%), the search objective was met. Cognition: Most frequently, ratings of positive cognitive impact were about confirmation (‘this information confirmed I did (am doing) the right thing’, 46%) and reassurance (‘I am reassured’, 45%). Ratings of negative cognitive impact were rare (4%). Application: 1,708 rated hits (52%) were (or will be) used for a specific patient. IAM guided interviews will reveal how clinical information was used for specific patients.
Conclusion: The ‘Acquisition-Cognition-Application’ model is supported. IAM, for systematic assessment of information objects, can reveal the impact of an electronic knowledge resource. (*Outline of the topic: Inspired by the ‘Acquisition-Cognition-Application’ model of information use, an innovative method revealed the impact of clinical information retrieved by Canadian family physicians.) ↑ Back to top

Purpose: There is limited information available that describes how librarians have assisted health care administrators in planning and responding to a pandemic. This poster describes the role of hospital librarians during the recent breakout of the H1N1 influenza virus to support the integrated pandemic influenza plan for London hospitals.
Setting: Librarians at both London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph’s Health Care London (SJHC) worked together to provide daily, and then later weekly, email updates that were sent to incident management personnel from April to December, 2009.
Method: Current, reliable information was compiled from key government and health organization websites as well as online news centers. Email updates reported new and total numbers of confirmed cases and related deaths as well as new guidance documents, health notices, situation updates, and selected news items.
Results: The information compiled in the emails was used to update the pandemic management team, senior leadership team, Medical Advisory Committee and the Boards of Directors at LHSC and SJHC. The number of H1N1 cases and deaths reported in the email updates facilitated the tracking of the pandemic viral spread for incident management personnel. The excerpts of news items allowed health care administrators to anticipate media questions as well as predict and alleviate staff anxiety.
Discussion: In addition to email updates, librarians conducted literature searches for staff on pandemic related topics as requested. The recent H1N1 pandemic provides an opportune time for librarians to reflect on current and potential roles during a pandemic and to engage health care administrators in conversation as appropriate. ↑ Back to top

Introduction: Anatomy is an essential component of medical and health science education. Over the past 2-3 decades, there has been a shift in the reduction of basic science contents, including Anatomy, in medical and health science educational programs. As well, the method of delivery of these subjects has changed from a traditional lecture-style to combined didactic, self-directed and/or team-based learning modalities.
Methods: To better serve our students, a Scalable Gross Anatomy and Histology Image Catalogue (SGAHIC) was established. This collection contains several thousand images of Gross Anatomy, Neuroanatomy and Histology captured from the specimens held in the Anatomy Learning Centre at Queen’s University. Gross Anatomy and Neuroanatomy images can be enlarged to about 5-8 times and Histology images 400 times their original size.
Conclusion: This collection of images not only allows our students to gain access to this learning resource on a 24/7 basis as long as there is an internet connection, but also web-based distant Anatomy and Histology courses can be readily developed to serve students from other universities in Canada and abroad. SGAHIC is sponsored by Bracken Health Sciences Library at Queen’s University. ↑ Back to top

Introduction: The complexity of research in the 21st century, coupled with the transformation of information technology and the heightened scrutiny of responsible conduct of research issues, has presented challenges with effective knowledge management. The development of new avenues for open access to scholarly digital content and the growing demand from public funding bodies for open access to funded research, offer great opportunities and further challenges for researchers and librarians. This poster demonstrates a program of new initiatives by Queen’s University Library (QUL) to address these challenges.
Methods: (1) identifying and integrating access to scholarly open access journals and databases into the suite of resources offered to the Queen’s community; (2) developing new services to preserve and disseminate Queen’s scholarship in collaboration with our academic partners.
Results: QUL now (1) hosts a growing number of open access peer-reviewed journals in the OJS @ Queen’s service; (2) offers a digital repository, QSpace, for the dissemination of faculty and student research; (3) exposes Queen’s researchers to a wide range of scholarly open access resources.
Discussion: Acceptance of these new directions in scholarly communication has been slowly growing. There is still considerable resistance and opposition within the academic community. Maintaining quality of research and measurement of impact factors in an open access environment are major areas of concern and ongoing discussion. ↑ Back to top

Introduction: Health libraries need to be prepared to undertake the challenge of hiring and training new personnel who will be able to competently participate in translating available knowledge into clinical practice and supporting evidence-based medicine in everyday decision-making process.
Methods: The challenges that exist as a result of expected retirements in the profession and potential strategies including ensuring a viable workforce through the development of a training program for new health librarians are described and reviewed. Librarians sometimes do not learn all skills that they need in school to work in a health care team. The knowledge base of the health librarians and its application into practice are important parts of the service provision to the teams of health care providers. Some of these key skills are vital, as, for example, an incomplete literature search or omission to consult relevant sources could affect the evidence-based decision making and produce results leading to bias or even medical error.
Results: There are opportunities to improve the knowledge base of health librarians to support evidence-based decision making by incorporating the elements of evidence-based practice and knowledge translation concepts into a new curriculum.
Discussion and conclusions: Training of the new health librarian is a crucial to ensure that the skills are learned and developed. A curriculum needs to employ a variety of methods and resources, so that the new librarian can deal effectively with the challenges of the work within the particular health care environment in the least amount of time. ↑ Back to top

• Charlotte Beck (Moderator), AHIP, Reference Librarian, Woodward Biomedical Library, University of British Columbia
• George Beckett, Associate University Librarian, Memorial University
• Kenneth-Roy Bonin, Director and Professor, School of Information Studies, University of Ottawa
• Marina Englesakis, Information, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network
• Robin Featherstone, Clinical Medicine Librarian, Allyn & Betty Taylor Library, University of Western Ontario

How can we train librarians to be innovators? Can we innovate in a time of fiscal constraint? Does innovation require the latest technology? When is innovation inappropriate? How important is trying and failing? During this interactive event panelists and audience members will discuss these and other issues relating to librarians as innovators. ↑ Back to top

AAAS/Science’s Publisher Relations Regional Representatives, Phillip Smith and Philip Tsolakidis will present the features of our new journal Science Translational Medicine, which launched in October 2009.

Science Translational Medicine stands at the forefront of the unprecedented and vital collaboration between basic scientists and clinical researchers. The new e-resource, which features original peer-reviewed research content, focuses on the conversion of basic biomedical research into practical applications, bridging the research-to-application gap in order to improve patient care worldwide.

The topic will interest librarians in medical and hospital libraries, pharmaceutical and biotechnology libraries, cancer and disease-specific directed research centers, and government research institutes dedicated to national health and health care provision and policy.

All are welcome! If you are interested in joining this event, please RSVP to events@scienceonline.org. ↑ Back to top

Open Access (OA) Interest Group: The Open Access (OA) Interest Group is a forum to support discussion, education and advocacy related to OA and scholarly communication issues relevant to the work of health librarians and libraries. Membership in the Open Access Interest Group is open to any CHLA/ABSC member in good standing. Any CHLA members with an interest in Open Access are welcome to attend the OAIG meeting. At this first meeting of the OAIG, we will share OA related news and information, and discuss needs and priorities for the 2010-2011 year.

Student Interest Group: The UBC SLAIS-CHLA student interest group’s Mission is to bridge the gap between students and working professionals in health sciences librarianship. The goals are to allow students to:

• Learn more about health libraries and digital library cultures
• Attend training, library tours and social events
• Arrange practicum, mentoring and professional experiences
• Learn about available part-time work & volunteer positions
• Have a network of support and access to health librarians throughout Lower Mainland and British Columbia

Mentorship Interest Group Event: Mentorship Speed Dating! Speed dating comes to CHLA!  A new, speedy, and fun way to meet CHLA librarians, face to face.  The Mentorship Interest Group invites you to explore your professional options in 7 minutes or less.   During the Interest Groups hour (5pm-6pm on Wednesday June 9th, we will have tables set up with librarians working in a variety of different positions (hospital, academic, etc..), waiting to meet you.  You have 7 minutes or less to ask them any question you’ve ever wanted answered about their job.  Here’s a chance to make a match with your next career path! You don’t need to be a member of this interest group to participate in this event.  Everyone is welcome! ↑ Back to top