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Inside outreach: a challenge for health sciences librarians
Jane Fama1, Donna Berryman, Nancy Harger
1Lamar Soutter Library, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue, North Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA. jane.fama@umassmed.edu
Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA
|August 2, 2005
Summary
Medical libraries face funding challenges and increasing outreach demands. A nationwide survey identified successful strategies for library outreach programs, emphasizing strategic planning, flexible funding, and robust evaluation for future success.
Area of Science:
- Library and Information Science
- Health Sciences Librarianship
Background:
- Medical and health sciences libraries are experiencing increased outreach demands amidst decreasing financial resources.
- The Lamar Soutter Library (LSL) at the University of Massachusetts Medical School aimed to adapt its outreach program to better serve its user base.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate existing models of outreach in medical and health sciences libraries.
- To reshape the LSL's outreach program based on national trends and best practices.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a comprehensive review of current literature on library outreach.
- Performed a nationwide survey of medical and health sciences libraries to identify outreach trends.
- Detailed survey methodology, including participant selection, focus determination, and survey administration.
Main Results:
- A 63% response rate was achieved from 40 invited libraries.
- The survey data illuminated common successes, challenges, and emerging trends in library outreach.
- Key findings were identified to inform future outreach strategies.
Conclusions:
- Strategic planning, adaptable funding models, and thorough evaluation are crucial for effective library outreach.
- Aligning outreach activities with the library's core mission is essential.
- Evaluation data supports program development, sustainability, and avoidance of past errors.