Virtual Reference Service using Meebo @ Katie Zepps Nursing Library

POSTER

Kate Jonson
College of Nursing

Social software tools have become a popular choice for many libraries because of their availability, easy of use and affordability.

The Katie Zepps Nursing Library has recently implemented a virtual reference service using Meebo for its students, members and staff. Meebo is a free online messaging program which allows users to monitor multiple instant messaging accounts (AIM, Yahoo, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ or Jabber) through one interface. Also, embedded on our library contacts page is Meebome a widget which allows our users to chat with us without the need for having an instant messaging account.

The virtual reference service was established to provide our clients with additional means of contacting us no matter where they are located. Our clients only need access to the internet and can identify whether on not we are online by checking the status of our meebome widget or buddy name ‘askkatiezepps’ on their instant messaging program.

The instant messaging interface allows library staff to chat back and forth synchronously with clients just like in the tradition face-to-face reference interview. Links, files and now internet screens can also be shared using the new Meebo rooms. Meebo rooms is a new addition to the Meebo family which allows multiple users to chat together simultaneously.

My poster presentation will display our experience of implementing and managing Meebo as a virtual reference service. The benefits of and barriers to a small library implementing a virtual reference service, and a look at future developments will also be illustrated.

CCHILL out: evidence based collection management in the inter-library loan department

POSTER

Donna Robertson & Mary Grimmond
Northern Sydney Central Coast Health

INTRODUCTION
Meeting our users’ needs is paramount in ensuring we are providing an effective library service. Having a collection management policy that is in line with our organisations goals and objectives as well as meeting our clients’ needs is also important. How are collection development decisions made?

Collection management processes usually rely on a mixture of the librarian’s expertise, client input and local knowledge. Is this approach efficient enough to ensure the collection is developed appropriately or could it be done in a more systematic and measured way?

BACKGROUND
Denise Koufogiannakis developed a model for evidence based collection management for her institution at the University of Alberta Libraries in Canada which involves combining collection management with evidence based practice. The Evidence Based Collection Management (EBCM) model was seen to be a more efficient way to manage the libraries’ collection development strategies and to provide collection managers with a more systematic analysis of data to ensure a more effective approach to collection development decisions.

Using the principles of evidence based practice [Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply and Assess] we can combine with the collection development process to ensure a more effective approach to collection-based decisions. This paper will discuss how EBCM can be applied in the area of inter-library loans (ILL).

METHOD
“CCHILL out” (Central Coast Health Inter Library Loans Order Unexpected Titles)

Traditionally libraries borrow ILL materials from fellow libraries to supplement their existing collections. These items are generally lent over a short borrowing period and then returned to the home institution. A large portion of ILL requests are recently published titles while others have been requested multiple times. Many libraries would have a process where staff can identify items that have been borrowed multiple times and would then recommend them for purchase, however this process needs to be formalised.

ASK: Why buy? When to buy?

ACQUIRE: Acquisitions criteria – publication date range, publications that align with our current Collection Management Policy

APPRAISE: Search the literature – are their examples/models that are adaptable to our institutions needs?

APPLY: Workflow procedures for all sections involved in process – ILL, Acquisitions, Cataloguing.

ASSESS: Evaluation criteria – tracking items purchased, patron feedback on project

CONCLUSION
Implementation of this approach to ILL is in the planning stages. We believe that using the requests of our clients, given that items requested are subject specific to your own organisation, would have to be of benefit to our collection as well as enhance our client satisfaction and collection-based decisions.

Combining the methods used above with the concept of evidence based collection development can only further enhance the processes as well as client satisfaction.

Reference
Koufogiannakis, D. (2007, 6-11 May). Establishing a model for evidence based collection management. Paper presented at the 4th International Evidence Based Library and Information Practice Conference, Durham, North Carolina, US. http://www.eblip4.unc.edu/papers/Koufogiannakis.pdf

Ryde Nursing Practice Network

POSTER

Kenneth Joseph, Verena Hunt, and Valerie Elsmore
Northern Sydney Central Coast Health

Aim
To provide Ryde Hospital Nursing staff with a Web 2.0 site to disseminate information from Ryde Hospital Nurse Educators and Ryde Library Staff to be linked through the NSCCAHS Internet site for interactive information access.

Information links to include:

• Nursing and Multidisciplinary Clinical Policy and Procedures: New and Revised – eg Transfusion Policy
• OH&S issues for nursing staff
• Changes to NSCCHS Forms - eg Patient consent forms and Patient Care Plans
• Minutes of relevant meetings – eg Nursing Practice Committee
• Orientation and Mandatory Training calendars with linked interactive booking spreadsheet for use by ward NUM
• Staff Development Calendar linked to Application Form
• Journal Club articles pertaining to Evidence Based Practice - Librarian and Nurse Educators (to include Literature Search Strategies and Relevance Evaluation Guide
• Current Nursing Projects – eg Trial of new Baxter infusion pump, PUPP Survey, NM
• Link to Library site for access to CIAP databases, Library catalogue, Literature Search and interlibrary loan forms

Objectives
Evidence from the medical literature (1) suggests that as nursing staff are time-poor it would benefit the target group’s information seeking behaviour to have a dedicated site which address all the above listed topics as identified by the site Nurse Educators and Ryde Hospital
Librarians. This comprehensive access point will improve information literacy leading to evidence based clinical practice and lifelong learning skills. Reduce the need for paper-based information updates and guidelines.

The aim is to facilitate speedy access from a single, interactive, easily accessed source within the wider comprehensive Area Health site.

Proposed Format
It is envisaged that a Wiki be developed by Library Staff in collaboration with Ryde Nurse Educators and IM&T staff to include the above identified topic areas under relevant titles. The site, to be named ‘Ryde Nursing Practice Network’, to be introduced by Ryde Nurse Educator via Groupwise dissemination with appropriate explanation and link.

Projected Outcomes
Ryde Nursing Staff will feel confident in their ability to access relevant information quickly and easily on a daily basis. Nursing staff will be able to remain up-to-date with Evidence Based Practices pertaining to issues related to their professional day-to-day patient care. Nursing staff will have access to Professional Development courses and Training timetables. Information regarding updates to Policy and Procedures will be easily accessed in a one-stop-shop format. Nursing staff will be able to respond interactively and immediately with Nurse Educators regarding issues of professional concern.

Nursing staff will be able to search databases linked to CINAHL, Medline. MIMS and Aust. Injectable Drugs Handbook. Library resources including the library catalogue for Books and Journals can be quickly consulted and location and availability ascertained. Literature Search formats and Interlibrary Loan forms can be filled in and e-mailed or faxed to Library staff for processing thereby eliminating the need for lengthy consultation or the face-to-face ‘information need’ interview.

Potential Obstacles and Challenges
Security issues, access would require Hospital ID Login and password; adequate time allocation to staff so as not to unrealistically increase workload; dedicated IT person for maintenance assistance for site.

Conclusion
After reaching agreement to the proposed initiative, including content and style sheet, by identified key information stakeholders, a realistic time-line needs to be drawn and a launch
date set.

References
1.Bertulis, R & Lord, J. Where there’s a way…there’s a will! The Royal College of Nursing’s needs survey of nurses and health professionals. Paper presented at: 3rd International Evidence Based Librarianship Conference; October 16-19, 2005; Brisbane, Australia

2. Clark, C. Exploring evidence-based information literacy. Paper presented at: 3rd International Evidence Based Librarianship Conference; October 16-19, 2005; Brisbane, Australia

3. Koufogiannakis, D. Effective methods for teaching information literacy skills to undergraduate students: what does the library research literature reveal? Paper presented at: 3rd International Evidence Based Librarianship Conference; October 16-19, 2005; Brisbane, Australia

4. Giustini, D; How Web 2.0 is changing medicine BMJ 333:1283-1284, 2006.

Libraries Using Evidence – eblip.net.au : a top view from Down Under

POSTER

Suzanne Lewis
Northern Sydney Central Coast Health
Lisa Cotter
Northern Sydney Central Coast Health /The University of Newcastle

The poster was originally accepted for presentation at the 4th International Evidence Based Library and Information Practice Conference (EBLIP4, North Carolina, May 2007) to which ultimately, the authors were unable to attend. However, the NSW Health Libraries Forum 2007 provides an ideal opportunity to finally share this work with our peers.

This year marks the ten-year anniversary of the term “evidence-based librarianship”. In 1997 this concept began its ascent from a discussion among likeminded library professionals into the published literature. It has continued to rise through the profession to occupy a place in the mainstream and afford librarians an enhanced view of the landscape in which they make decisions.

Similarly, Down Under in Sydney, Australia, people have, for 75 years, crossed the Sydney Harbour Bridge the traditional way – along the eight-lane carriageway. Around the same time that Jonathan Eldredge’s Hypothesis article introduced “evidence-based librarianship” (11:3, pp.4-7), another pioneer was establishing BridgeClimb – an exciting new challenge with a fantastic view from the top, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge via the steel arch. Today, EBLIP practitioners are like the BridgeClimbers – ready to seek new perspectives, take a different route and enjoy the journey as well as achieving the destination. Adventurous BridgeClimbers ascend/cross the steel arch with confidence, supported by a well engineered structure and strong foundations.

Libraries Using Evidence – eblip.net.au offers a similarly solid foundation of authoritative resources to support EBLIP practitioners as they seek different perspectives on their professional practice.

Call for Posters

• see also the Call for Papers

Poster presentations provide an excellent opportunity for learning about innovative library practices, current research projects, or a channel to communicate ideas. By presenting a poster you will contribute to the Forum program and share the activities your library has been involved in without the pressure of formally presenting a paper.

The NSW Health Libraries Forum 2007 is an ideal venue for first-time paper/poster presenters. Use this friendly audience as a practice run before submitting to the 10th International Congress on Medical Librarianship. ICML 2009 is being held in Brisbane, Australia, in August/September 2009.

Consider presenting a poster, relating to the Forum theme "Focus on the User Environment: Techniques & Technologies". Suggestions for poster content include:

• highlight a Web 2.0/Library 2.0 tool that you are using, or considering using in your library (eg. blogs, wikis, social tagging)
• innovative ways to reach your clients
• propose a potential collaboration/partnership between NSW health libraries
• share new technologies that have made a difference to your users
• share methods for effective client feedback
• innovative service delivery - what is your library doing?
• report upon a recent conference you have attended
• has your library recently introduced a new service?
  

Poster Submission Guidelines
Abstract Submission
Submit an abstract (up to 500 words) by 30 June 2007 to cchref@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au.
Notification of acceptance will be made by 31 July 2007. Late submissions will be considered - please contact Ingrid Tonnison ASAP.

Exhibition
Posters will be on display throughout the 2 day event. Presenters will be encouraged to stand by their poster during morning/afternoon tea and lunch breaks to provide an opportunity to informally discuss their poster with forum attendees. A handout accompanying your poster is helpful to delegates who may wish to contact you after the event or read about your project in more detail.

Poster Size
Recommended size is 90x120cm.

ALIA Professional Development Scheme
ALIA members are eligible to collect points for presenting a poster under the ALIA Professional Development Scheme. This includes up to 2 points per hour in the Presentations and Papers or Informal Learning Activity categories.

Contact Details
For more information, please contact Ingrid Tonnison.
Ph. (02) 4320 2090
itonnison@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Handy Hints
These websites provide some handy hints about developing a poster.

• American Library Association Poster Sessions
• Department of Biology George Mason University.
• Writing Guides Poster Sessions Colorado State University.
• EBL3 Conference posters look for "Poster available here" to view example posters.