Standards of practice for hospital libraries and librarians, 2022: Medical Library Association Hospital Libraries...

Hospital libraries have long played a role in supporting clinical decision-making and patient care. In 1953, the Medical Library Association (MLA) began creating quality indicators for these evolving spaces. As hospital libraries grew in number and importance, they became part of accreditation standards. By 1978, The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAHO) adopted a library standard developed with MLA input. Over time, changes in accreditation criteria and technology reshaped these standards. The shift from JCAHO to The Joint Commission (TJC) brought new knowledge management expectations. Technological advances in evidence-based resource delivery also influenced library practices. These developments created a need for updated standards to reflect current realities.

The 2022 standards aim to provide updated guidance for hospital libraries and librarians. These standards replace the 2007 version to address changes in accreditation and technology. The goal is to ensure hospital libraries meet evolving needs in healthcare environments. The standards help librarians align with The Joint Commission’s knowledge management criteria. They also reflect new ways of curating and delivering evidence-based resources. The purpose is to support high-quality patient care through library services. These standards are intended for use by hospital librarians and administrators. They help maintain consistency and quality across hospital library practices.

The Medical Library Association’s Hospital Libraries Caucus developed the 2022 standards. A task force was formed to review prior standards and current practices. Input was gathered from hospital librarians and healthcare professionals. The task force considered changes in accreditation and technology. They evaluated how evidence-based resources are now curated and delivered. The process involved analyzing the 2007 standards and identifying gaps. The team updated language to reflect modern library functions. The final document was reviewed and approved by the MLA Hospital Libraries Caucus.

The 2022 standards replace the 2007 version to reflect current practices. They incorporate changes in accreditation and technological advancements. The standards emphasize knowledge management and evidence-based resource delivery. They provide guidance for hospital librarians on maintaining quality services. The document outlines roles and responsibilities for librarians in healthcare settings. It includes criteria for library space, staffing, and resource access. The standards align with The Joint Commission’s knowledge management expectations. They serve as a tool for hospital librarians to improve service delivery.

The 2022 standards represent an updated approach to hospital library practice. They reflect changes in accreditation and how resources are managed and delivered. The standards help librarians meet the evolving needs of healthcare institutions. They provide a framework for maintaining quality and consistency in library services. The document supports hospital librarians in fulfilling their roles effectively. It aligns with The Joint Commission’s knowledge management criteria. The standards are intended to guide hospital libraries in the coming years. They replace the 2007 standards to ensure relevance in modern healthcare settings.