Support Staff Take an Essential Role in Research Services

Area of Science:

• Medical Librarianship
• Information Science
• Health Sciences Education

Background:

• Medical libraries face significant changes driven by technological advancements and evolving user expectations in healthcare and education.
• The Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library (CWML) recognized the need to adapt its staffing models to meet these new demands.
• Traditional library service models required re-evaluation to incorporate new developments effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the strategic redeployment of library staffing at CWML.
• To introduce a novel team-based approach for clerical and technical (C&T) staff.
• To illustrate how C&T staff can expand their roles to provide comprehensive library services.

Main Methods:

• Assessment of existing library processes, workflows, and staff responsibilities.
• Development and implementation of a cross-departmental team structure for C&T staff.
• Training and skill development initiatives for C&T staff to broaden their service capabilities.

Main Results:

• C&T staff acquired a wider range of skills, enabling them to offer more in-depth services.
• The team approach facilitated cross-departmental collaboration and service delivery.
• Library users benefited from enhanced and more diverse frontline services.

Conclusions:

• A novel team approach can effectively redeploy clerical and technical (C&T) staff in medical libraries.
• Expanding C&T staff skill sets and responsibilities enhances service offerings in dynamic healthcare environments.
• This model supports the adaptation of medical libraries to advancements in medical education and health care delivery.