CILIP's Health Libraries Group-Shane Godbolt, lifelong member and supporter.

This paper from CILIP's Health Libraries Group (HLG) committee is written by the previous International Officer who worked in partnership with Shane Godbolt. It outlines Shane's contribution to the Health Libraries Group over several decades and focuses on the collaborative work on international visits.

Democratic librarianship: the role of the medical library in promoting democracy and social justice.

Evidence suggests that Erich Meyerhoff was one of the first practitioners of democratic librarianship throughout his long and productive life. This essay defines democratic librarianship in the context of democratic ideals and social justice and posits actions that the profession should be taking to thrive and lead in a multicultural environment, including being a place for active engagement, crucial conversations, and debate. Democratic librarianship is broader than social justice but incorporates social justice ideals in promoting a socially just and democratic society. Libraries…are essential to the functioning of a democratic society;…and libraries are the great tools of scholarship, the great repositories of culture, and the great symbols of the freedom of the mind. [1]-Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Medical history: as it was; as it will be.

Born shortly after World War I in 1919 and living through multiple wars, conflicts, and cultural changes in his ninety-six years, Erich Meyerhoff remained a student of history throughout his long life. He regularly attended the annual meetings of the American Association for the History of Medicine and other history groups such as the Medical Library Association's History of the Health Sciences well into his nineties. This essay traces how the field of history and historical methods changed during Erich's life and suggests that he saw history and librarianship as a means for achieving social justice and social equity.

Demonstrating the impact of your teaching: benefits of Higher Education Academy Fellowship for librarians.

This feature suggests that health librarians who teach or support Higher Education (HE) students can and should gain accreditation and recognition for their teaching by the route of HEA Fellowship. We outline the process by which Fellowship could be attained by those working within HE and those in NHS libraries who work with HE students, suggesting which aspects of librarianship practice could provide the necessary evidence for Fellowship. The synergies between Fellowship and Chartership are examined and the criteria for HEA (UK Professional Standards Framework or UKPSF) are mapped against those for Chartership (Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB). D.I.

Social justice and the medical librarian.

This lecture discusses social justice and the role that medical librarians can play in a democratic society. Social justice needs to be central to the mission of medical librarianship and a core value of the profession. Medical librarians must develop a new professional orientation: one that focuses on cultural awareness or cultural consciousness that goes beyond ourselves and our collections to that which focuses on the users of our libraries. We must develop a commitment to addressing the issues of societal, relevant health information. Using examples from medical education, this lecture makes the case for social justice librarianship. This lecture also presents a pathway for social justice medical librarianship, identifies fundamental roles and activities in these areas, and offers strategies for individual librarians, the Medical Library Association, and library schools for developing social justice education and outcomes. The lecture advocates for an understanding of and connection to social justice responsibilities for the medical library profession and ends with a call to go beyond understanding to action. The lecture emphasizes the lack of diversity in our profession and the importance of diversity and inclusion for achieving social justice. The lecture presents specific examples from some medical libraries to extend the social justice mindset and to direct outreach, collections, archives, and special collection services to expose previously hidden voices. If medical librarians are to remain relevant in the future, we must act to address the lack of diversity in our profession and use our information resources, spaces, and expertise to solve the relevant societal issues of today.

Critical librarianship in health sciences libraries: an introduction.

The Medical Library Association recently announced its commitment to diversity and inclusion. While this is a positive start, critical librarianship takes the crucial concepts of diversity and inclusion one step further by advocating for social justice action and the dismantling of oppressive institutional structures, including white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism. Critical librarianship takes many forms, but, at its root, is focused on interrogating and disrupting inequitable systems, including changing racist cataloging rules, creating student-driven information literacy instruction, supporting inclusive and ethical publishing models, and rejecting the notion of libraries as neutral spaces. This article presents examples of the application of critical practice in libraries as well as ideas for applying critical librarianship to the health sciences.

As contribuições de Ranganathan para a Biblioteconomia: reflexões e desafios / The Ranganathan contributions to librarianship: reflections and challenges

Ranganathan deixou suas cinco leis. Elas são diretas, sua mensagem é clara e muito objetiva: “livros são para usar, a cada leitor seu livro, a cada livro seu leitor, poupe o tempo do leitor e a Biblioteca é um organismo em crescimento”. Mas o que isso tem a ver com o mundo de hoje? Essas leis ainda continuam sendo aplicáveis no nosso contexto, na sociedade líquida que vivemos? Podemos pensar em outros modos de classificar nossos estoques de informações? Para que e para quem realmente classificamos nossas coleções? Elas de fato facilitam o acesso às coleções? Como fazer para que as bibliotecas sejam duráveis, perpassando o tempo, mas sem perder a condição de organismos dinâmicos que possam atender às demandas da complexa sociedade?Com a leitura desses textos, poderemos refletir sobras as respostas a estas perguntas e formular novos questionamentos. Também será possível conhecer um pouco mais sobre esse filósofo da Biblioteconomia e seu legado, que suscitou e suscita estudos e reflexões. Estudos esses, à luz de outras disciplinas, como o Marketing, que contribuem com o “core” da nossa Biblioteconomia e Ciência da Informação e por que não dizer, podem auxiliar outras áreas irmãs como a Museologia e Arquivologia.As organizadoras deste livro oferecem ao leitor um prazeroso, e diria irrecusável, convite para os bibliotecários brasileiros, pois a obra de Ranganathan, sobretudo as cinco leis, ecoam ou deveriam ecoar como mantras em nossos ouvidos; elas nos inquietam e nos colocam em permanente estado de questionamento. E aí temos que partir para a ação!...

Ranganathan let his five laws. They are direct, your message is clear and straightforward: "books are to use every reader his book, every book its reader, save the reader time and the library is a growing organism." But what does this have to do with the world today? These laws still remain relevant in our context, the net society we live in? We can think of other ways of classifying our inventory information? For that and for those who really classify our collections? They actually facilitate access to collections? How to make the libraries are durable, passing the time, but without losing the condition of dynamic organizations that can meet the demands of complex society? By reading these texts, we might reflect remains the answers to these questions and formulate new questions. You can also learn more about this philosopher of librarianship and his legacy, which has raised and raises studies and reflections. Study these in the light of other disciplines, such as Marketing, contributing to the "core" of our Library and Information Science, and why not say, can help other areas sisters as Museology and Arquivologia.As organizers of this book offer the reader a pleasant and would not refuse invitation for Brazilian librarians because the work of Ranganathan, especially the five laws, or should echo echo as mantras in our ears; they disturb us and put us in a permanent state of questioning. And then we have to go into action!...

Ranganathan dejó que sus cinco leyes. Ellos son directos, su mensaje es claro y directo: "los libros son para utilizar cada lector su libro, cada libro su lector, lector de ahorrar el tiempo y la biblioteca es un organismo en crecimiento." Pero, ¿qué tiene esto que ver con el mundo de hoy? Estas leyes siguen siendo relevantes en nuestro contexto, la sociedad red en el que vivimos? Podemos pensar en otras formas de clasificación de nuestra información de inventario? Por eso y para aquellos que realmente clasifica sus colecciones? En realidad facilitar el acceso a las colecciones? Cómo hacer que las bibliotecas son duraderos, que pasa el tiempo, pero sin perder la condición de organizaciones dinámicas que pueden satisfacer las demandas de la sociedad compleja? Al leer estos textos, podríamos reflejar sigue siendo las respuestas a estas preguntas y formular nuevas preguntas. También puede aprender más acerca de este filósofo de la biblioteconomía y su legado, que ha planteado y plantea estudios y reflexiones. Estudiar estos a la luz de otras disciplinas, como la comercialización, lo que contribuye al "núcleo" de nuestra Biblioteca y Ciencias de la Información, y por qué no decirlo, puede ayudar a otras áreas como hermanas y Museología Arquivologia.As organizadores de este libro ofrecen la lector una agradable y no rechazaría la invitación para los bibliotecarios brasileños porque el trabajo de Ranganathan, especialmente las cinco leyes, o debe hacerse eco del eco como mantras en nuestros oídos; nos perturban y nos pusieron en un estado permanente de cuestionamiento. Y entonces tenemos que entrar en acción!...

Getting involved in international development activities: UK initiatives and hidden benefits.

Jackie Cheeseborough and Shane Godbolt describe the role that UK health information professionals have in global health and in supporting colleagues from developing countries to continue to develop as a provision. They give an overview of a range of organisations working to improve access to health information in developing countries and in particular Sub-Saharan Africa including Book Aid International, HIFA, INASP, ITOCA, Phi, TALC, THET and Research4Life. Even in a recession, many UK health librarians are choosing to get involved in international development activities in low-resource countries by volunteering, and discovering hidden benefits for their own organisations, and their own continuing professional development.

The status of health librarianship and libraries in the Republic of Ireland (SHELLI): a mixed methods review to inform future strategy and sustainability.

BACKGROUND: This paper summarises the main points of a review of the Status of Health Librarianship & Libraries in Ireland (SHELLI). The review was commissioned to gain a broad understanding of what was happening in practice in Ireland; acquire knowledge about international best practice, and to inform strategic plans to develop and sustain health libraries and librarianship in Ireland. METHODS: A Mixed Methods approach was used: a literature review; an online survey distributed to health librarians; Semi structured interviews with key stakeholders; a focus group drawing participants from the survey. All evidence was triangulated. RESULTS: New roles for health librarians needed development and the changing educational needs of health librarians warranted attention. Increased collaboration across institutional boundaries needed more consideration, especially in relation to access to e-resources. Marketing of library services was crucial. Irish health library standards, needed to be updated and enforced and a proper evidence base established. The literature provided a number of examples of potentially useful initiatives. CONCLUSIONS: A strategic plan of action was drawn up in three areas: (i) to identify champions and promote visibility of health service libraries, (ii) to establish a body of evidence and (iii) to support service development and staff mentoring.

International trends in health science librarianship: part 4--four Southern European countries.

This is the fourth in a series of articles exploring international trends in health science librarianship in four Southern European countries in the first decade of the 21st century. The invited authors are from Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Future issues will track trends in Latin America and Central Europe.

Redesigning a library-based genetics class research project through instructional theory and authentic experience.

QUESTION: How can the library-based research project of a genetics course be reinvigorated and made sustainable without sacrificing educational integrity? SETTING: The University of Florida's Health Science Center Library provides the case study. METHODS: Since 1996, the librarian has codeveloped, supported, and graded all components of the project. In 2009, the project evolved from a single-authored paper to a group-work poster, with graded presentations hosted by the library. In 2010, students were surveyed regarding class enhancements. RESULTS: Responses indicated a preference for collaborative work and the poster format and suggested the changes facilitated learning. Instructors reported that the poster format more clearly documented students' understanding of genetics. CONCLUSION: Results suggest project enhancements contributed to greater appreciation, understanding, and application of classroom material and offered a unique and authentic learning experience, without compromising educational integrity. The library benefitted through increased visibility as a partner in the educational mission and development of a sustainable instructional collaboration.

What type of leader am I?: a training needs analysis of health library and information managers.

BACKGROUND: Leadership is a necessary facet of professional practice for health library and information managers (HLIMs). Several training needs analyses (TNA) in the health library and information services field have been conducted in recent years, all identifying a need for professional development in leadership skills. However, these previous TNAs have not focused on specific elements of leadership skills required by health library and information managers. OBJECTIVES: The National Library for Health (NLH) commissioned the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) at the University of Sheffield to conduct a TNA where HLIMs assess their current leadership skills and identify any future development needs in this area. The results would inform a programme of influencing skills workshops. METHODS: HLIMs in the UK were invited to complete a self-assessment online questionnaire. The questionnaire utilised items from Manning and Robertson's Influencing Skills Style Profile (ISSP). This allowed the results to be characterised by influencing 'style'. RESULTS: HLIMs considered themselves to have strengths in the leadership areas of influencing, negotiating, managing change and delivering presentations to decision-makers. They identified significant development needs in communicating with stakeholders, conflict resolution, using body language and being assertive. Most HLIMs demonstrated two collaborative styles identified by the ISSP, namely strategic collaborator and opportunistic collaborator. CONCLUSIONS: In difficult times, HLIMs may need to adapt to more of an 'opportunistic-battler' influencing style. It is important that HLIMs not only assess their own leadership skills but also that they take opportunities to employ 360(°) feedback, comprising assessment from subordinates, peers and supervisors.

Cost-effective ways of delivering enquiry services: a rapid review.

BACKGROUND: In the recent times of recession and budget cuts, it is more important than ever for library and information services to deliver cost-effective services. OBJECTIVES: This rapid review aims to examine the evidence for the most cost-effective ways of delivering enquiry services. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on LISA (Library and Information Sciences Abstracts) and MEDLINE. Searches were limited to 2007 onwards. RESULTS: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies covered hospital and academic libraries in the USA and Canada. Services analysed were 'point-of-care' librarian consultations, staffing models for reference desks and virtual/digital reference services. CONCLUSIONS: Transferable lessons, relevant to health library and information services generally, can be drawn from this rapid review. These suggest that 'point-of-care' librarians for primary care practitioners are a cost-effective way of answering questions. Reference desks can be cost-effectively staffed by student employees or general reference staff, although librarian referral must be provided for more complex and subject-specific enquiries. However, it is not possible to draw any conclusions on virtual/digital reference services because of the limited literature available. Further case analysis studies measuring specific services, particularly enquiry services within a health library and information context, are required.

[Physiology in the mirror of systematic catalogue of Russian Academy of Sciences Library].

Representation of general human and animal physiology publications in the systematic catalogue of the Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences is considered. The organization of the catalogue as applied to the problems of physiology, built on the basis of library-bibliographic classification used in the Russian universal scientific libraries is described. The card files of the systematic catalogue of the Library contain about 8 million cards. Topics that reflect the problems of general physiology contain 39 headings. For the full range of sciences including physiology the tables of general types of divisions were developed. They have been marked by indexes using lower-case letters of the Russian alphabet. For further detalizations of these indexes decimal symbols are used. The indexes are attached directly to the field of knowledge index. With the current relatively easy availability of network resources value and relevance of any catalogue are reduced. However it concerns much more journal articles, rather than reference books, proceedings of various conferences, bibliographies, personalities, and especially the monographs contained in the systematic catalogue. The card systematic catalogue of the Library remains an important source of information on general physiology issues, as well as its magistral narrower sections.

The Open Access Association? EAHIL's new model for sustainability.

OBJECTIVE: To discover a governance structure and a business model for the European Association for Health Information and Libraries (EAHIL) which will be economically sustainable in the medium term, arresting a long-term gradual decline in membership numbers and implementing new revenue streams to sustain association activity. METHODOLOGY: Reviewed survival strategies of other professional associations, investigated potential of emerging interactive web technologies, investigated alternative revenue streams based around the 'franchise' of the annual EAHIL conferences and workshops. A fully worked-through and costed alternative structure was produced, based on abolition of the subscription, web-based procedures and functions, increased income from advertising and sponsorship and a large measure of member participation and engagement. Statutes and Rules of Procedure were rewritten to reflect the changes. This plan was put through the Association's approval cycle and implemented in 2005. RESULTS: The new financial model has proved itself sustainable on the basis of the first 2 years' operations. The long-term gradual decline in membership was reversed, with membership numbers trebling across the EAHIL region. The software worked with minimal problems, including the online electoral process. CONCLUSION: With no identified precedent from other professional associations, the changes represented a considerable risk, which was justifiable because long-term projections made it clear that continuing the traditional model was not viable. The result is a larger, healthier association with a stronger link to its membership. Long-term risks include the high level of member commitment and expertise. There are also important questions about scalability-diseconomies of scale probably limit the applicability of the overall open access model to larger associations.

A indexação de livros: a percepção de catalogadores e usuários de bibliotecas universitárias. Um estudo de observação do contexto sociocognitivo com protocolos verbais / The indexing books: the perception of cataloguers and users of university libraries. An observational study of the socio-cognitive context with verbal protocols

Por que é importante investigar a indexação durante a catalogação? A resposta é que, por meio de tal procedimento, é possível conhecer as realidades de bibliotecários e usuários. A pesquisa apresentada neste livro se destaca por dois motivos: trata-se de um trabalho coletivo, com objetivos, fundamentação teórica e metodológica comuns; adota uma abordagem sociocognitiva que não só evidencia a tarefa de indexação de assuntos na catalogação de livros por catalogadores, como também privilegia e entrelaça as diferentes visões dos usuários do catálogo, discentes, docentes, pesquisadores, bibliotecários de referência e dirigentes de bibliotecas - grupos que fazem parte do contexto sociocognitivo dos catalogadores, pois são usuários dos resultados da tarefa que realizam. Esta é uma obra de referência para os profissionais de biblioteconomia...

The medical matters wiki: building a library Web site 2.0.

New and innovative information technologies drive the ever-evolving library profession. From clay tablet to parchment scroll to manufactured paper to computer screen pixel, information storage, retrieval, and delivery methods continue to evolve, and each advance irrevocably affects the way libraries, and librarians, work. The Internet has forever altered information and library science, both in theory and practice, but even within this context the progression continues. Though ambiguously defined, Web 2.0 offers a new outlook and new software, presenting librarians with potentially invaluable new tools and methods. This paper discusses the creation, implementation, and maintenance of a Web 2.0 technology, the wiki, as a resource tool for an academic biomedical library.