Medical Librarian Medical Library Somerville, New Jersey
Background: Research shows that libraries have successfully implemented current awareness services. An example is Hot Topics, available to staff at three hospital campuses. New research supports evidence-based practice. The two librarians develop the search strategies, maintain and deliver weekly email updates.
Hot Topics’ success will be reflected in meeting the following goals:
o Improve the librarians’ workflow and increase efficiency to prevent duplicate requests and information silos. o Increase research engagement and resource accessibility. o Provide an awareness of industry trends to obtain high quality learning skills. o Encourage personal/professional growth. o Continue to promote the Medical Library’s resources and services.
Description: In 2020, Hot Topics was launched at one campus. The librarians curated the initial list of 50 topics, referring to the industry standards and trends, National Patient Safety goals, and literature search requests. They developed each topic’s search strategy, established database search alerts, and promoted the service. Promotional efforts included newsletter and website announcements, staff email blasts, and announcements made in meetings, house-wide flyer distribution, and a meeting with residents. Staff register via SurveyMonkey, and either select topics and/or request new topics to receive weekly updates regarding newly available citations. In 2021, the librarians expanded and promoted the service to two additional campuses. Year to date, there are 84 participants across all three campuses. The topic number has since doubled to 100. The inaugural “Hot Topics Impact Survey” was conducted via SurveyMonkey, at the end of the third quarter 2021.
Conclusion: Out of the 70 eligible participants, 25 completed the survey (36%). 88% of participants prefer the email delivery frequency and number of citations received. The citations’ quality meet the majority of participant’s expectations. The majority find the citations useful and relevant.
Based on the survey results, informal feedback, and an ongoing increase in participants, we are or plan to in 2022:
o Launch Hot Topics to another campus, which also receives library services, and conduct an initial survey of their participants. o Continue to both conduct user surveys and schedule ongoing evaluations of search strategies for accuracy and relevance.
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