A first class knowledge service: developing the National electronic Library for Health

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Knowledge Management in Healthcare
• Digital Health Libraries

Background:

• Growing demand for high-quality health information driven by clinical governance and evidence-based practice.
• Need for accessible, evaluated resources for healthcare professionals, patients, and the public.
• Developments in health services necessitate urgent improvements in information provision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the progress and achievements of the Pilot National electronic Library for Health (NeLH).
• To highlight the NeLH's role in providing a core knowledge base for health professionals.
• To emphasize the NeLH's function as a one-stop shop for evidence-based decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Development of a central website featuring core resources and specialist collections.
• Aggregation of over 70 information resources, including bibliographic databases and full-text publications.
• Collaboration with National Health Service (NHS) libraries for national procurement and licensing.

Main Results:

• Successful launch and operation of the Pilot NeLH.
• Establishment of a central portal offering access to a diverse range of accredited information resources.
• Significant progress in national procurement and licensing agreements, particularly with NHS libraries.

Conclusions:

• The NeLH is a vital resource for supporting evidence-based practice in healthcare.
• Partnerships are essential for ensuring seamless access to health information for professionals.
• The NeLH serves as a foundational element for a comprehensive digital health knowledge base.