Roles for Librarians in the Changing Landscape of Federal Grants
3:05 PM - 3:25 PM
Abstract Not Available
Author: Valerie Florance, Associate Director, Extramural Programs, National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD
New Roles for Health Sciences Librarians: Collaborating on Health Communications Research at the National Institutes of Health
3:25 PM - 3:45 PM
Objective: This case report describes a research project between a health sciences librarian and a health media researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), in which the authors conducted a content analysis study. The purpose of the study was to conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis of popular press coverage of an NIAAA report and health initiative, A Call to Action: Changing the Culture of Drinking at U.S. Colleges. This case study demonstrates how librarians can combine knowledge of social sciences research methods with specialized skills in developing search strategies and database searching.
Methods: Searches were conducted on the NEXIS US Newspapers and Wires database of 879 newspapers and wire services. The authors collected all news stories published immediately following an NIAAA press release on March 16, 2002, through December of 2006 published in a convenience sample of US newspapers and wire services that cited at least one key finding from the report. For the first part of the analysis, authors used an analytical method known as content analysis. After the data were categorized, the authors used grounded theory method to look for emergent themes and how those themes changed over time.
Results: The findings were analyzed and incorporated into a report to the NIAAA External Advisory Board, which was conducting a five-year review of the institute's strategic goals.
Conclusions: This case study demonstrates the wide range of possibilities for collaboration between librarians and health researchers, and that such relationships are mutually beneficial to the collaborators, as well as to health sciences research at large.
Author: Janet Heekin, Informationist, NIH Library, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
MedlinePlus Connect: Opportunity for Librarians to Bring Patient Information into Organizations Responding to the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act
3:45 PM - 4:05 PM
Abstract Not Available
Author: Joyce E. B. Backus, Deputy Chief, Public Services Division, National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD
Investing in America’s Public Health Workforce: Shaping New Roles for Librarians
4:05 PM - 4:25 PM
Objective: This study, conducted in six states, addresses inadequate information access by the public health workforce. Objectives were to: (1) identify trusted electronic resources for testing, (2) provide access to and training on identified resources, (3) improve article delivery, (4) analyze use of resources in relationship to work, and (5) document process change in participating organizations.
Methods: A ten-year literature review was conducted on public health workforce information needs, training issues, and barriers to information access. Site visits confirmed the need for trusted full-text resources to support policies, practices, and interventions. A survey identified journal subscription and cost information purchased by individuals or units. An initial training meeting was held for key leaders from public health departments to reinforce objectives, acquaint participants with project staff, and present the resources. A digital library web page, designed to streamline resource access through Internet protocol (IP) authentication, was installed on public health department intranets. Participating vendors were selected based on content of databases, format, and willingness to modify license agreements. Onsite hands-on trainings were held. A subset of state, public, hospital, and academic libraries was formalized for article delivery. Data and feedback collection instruments were designed and administered for project evaluation.
Results: PubMed and licensed resources, available through IP authentication and installed on department intranets, are now being used by public health professionals in six states. Evaluation components include self-reporting, statistics on resource use, collection of data through pre- and post-training surveys, and information captured in email communications. A process has been developed to add new resources based on initial assessment and ongoing use of journals made available.
Conclusions: Public health departments are using the digital resources made available through this project to improve community assessment programs, facilitate comparative effective research, prepare legislative reports, and provide expert testimony.
Authors: Elaine Martin, Director, National Network of Libraries of Medicine, New England Region; Karen Dahlen, AHIP, Project Consultant, Lamar Soutter Library, Medical School, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA; Javier Crespo, Associate Director, National Network of Libraries of Medicine, New England Region; Lamar Soutter Library; Medical School, University of Massachusetts, Shrewsbury, MA
