Specialist Libraries and Clinical Librarians Pushmi-Pullyu: Specialist Libraries and Clinical Librarians

Anatomy of a Pushmi-Pullyu Clinical Librarians Specialist Libraries Heads pointing in different directions - one side doesn’t always know what the other is doing Shared body indicates shared aims Which way are we heading?

Pushmi-Pullyu In what ways might the growth in Specialist Libraries affect Clinical Librarian services? Are we duplicating efforts and pulling in different directions? Is there room for collaboration to mutual benefit?

Aims of session What is a Specialist Library and how do they work? Similarities and differences between the two services Group discussion of the issues, aiming to generate: Ideas for future collaboration

Background to Specialist Libraries Contract with NLH Editorial Board/Steering group Project team/Clinical Lead All follow Specialist Libraries’ handbook Content Development Strategy Taxonomy Communication Strategy RMS system Adding core records – secondary evidence and guidance Annual Evidence Update Providing a portal for information in a specialist area

The same or different? Similarities: Common aims Saving time for user Promotion of high quality evidence Encouraging integration of best evidence into practice

The same or different? Differences: Virtual vs personal The importance of the personal touch Specialised help with audit, guideline development, systematic review searching Focussed, subject specific help vs a systematic approach to gathering secondary evidence on all topics

Group activity: What issues have arisen for Clinical Librarians from the Specialist Libraries coming into existence? What benefits might there be from increased collaboration between Clinical Librarians and Specialist Libraries? What methods could be used to facilitate greater collaboration on both sides?

Aim for the future: Pulling together! Sara Clarke