Donna S. Gibson

The Clinical Medical Librarian Program: The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Experience

Under the Clinical Medical Librarian program at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the role of the Reference Librarians includes a myriad of activities, all focused on supporting specific user groups. This paper will outline two Clinical Medical Librarian programs: Psychiatry Service and Nursing Department, and will demonstrate how clinical librarians support their constituents. Data analyzed from an online survey of 134 respondents reinforce the effectiveness of the program and its resources.

Role in evidence-based practice

Abstract The role of the research informationist in advancing evidence-based practice is discussed within the context of a comprehensive cancer center setting. The Clinical Medical Librarian Program and the Systematic Review Service represent two key library services that illustrate and support how the informationist contributes to the evolving field of evidence-based health care.

Evaluating the Impact of Mediated Literature Searches at a Comprehensive Cancer Center

ABSTRACT Research informationists at a comprehensive cancer center sought to evaluate the impact and value of mediated literature searches in support of their users’ work activities. An assessment tool was identified in the literature and modified by the investigators to solicit feedback from library users and identify the major reason(s) why scientists and health care professionals request literature searches, how they use the resulting information, and the impact that the results may or may not have on their research or patient care/decision-making activities. Survey results were qualitatively analyzed, and future avenues of outreach and promotion of mediated literature search services were identified.

Feasibility of an iPad to Facilitate Communication in Postoperative Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Purpose: To measure the feasibility of a communication application and an iPad to facilitate communication in postoperative patients with head and neck cancer. Design: A prospective feasibility study. Methods: This IRB‐approved study was conducted in the postanesthesia care unit at an urban comprehensive cancer center. The participants included patients with head and neck cancer who underwent surgery that resulted in altered communication. Questionnaires were developed and administered to measure feasibility and patient satisfaction at different time points (preoperative, postoperative, and 1 to 4 days postoperatively). Findings: Of 38 patients in the study, 25 (66%) were able to use the customized iPad. Of these 25 patients, 15 (60%) were satisfied or somewhat satisfied with it. 84% found the customized iPad to be very or somewhat helpful for communication after surgery. Conclusions: Patients were satisfied with the customized iPad, and the study found that using technology such as this was feasible in the immediate postoperative period.

Through the eyes of the Informationist: Identifying information needs of the Breast Imaging Service at a tertiary medical center specializing in cancer

The information services offered by Embedded Librarians over the years have led to the more modern—and domain knowledge-specific—role of the Informationist. A 10-point questionnaire was developed and used to interview 12 attending physicians and three fellows chosen at random. The participants are either on the research track (n = 3) or the clinical track (n = 9). A two-part schematic was also created to capture more detailed feedback about the information needs and information-seeking behavior of clinicians regarding patient care (clinical) and research activities. Bibliographic management tool use and time-related factors were also captured in the interviews and written schematics. The role of the Informationist is an emerging, yet valuable one to assigned clinical groups. Clinician’s knowledge-base, current awareness, productivity, and evidence-based care can be improved by use of Informationist services.

Using Technology to Give Patients a Voice After Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer.

For patients with head and neck cancer, altered communication is a frequently occurring and highly upsetting issue that has been associated with psychological distress, fear, and anger among those with temporary or permanent speech impairment postsurgery. Many postoperative patients express that the most terrifying situation is to wake up from surgery and not be able to speak. Mobile devices have become part of everyday life, and augmentative and alternative communication mobile applications have the potential to enhance the healthcare journey of the patient and provider.


Destination Library: Validating the Importance of Physical Space

In May 2013, a space initiative project was launched in an effort to answer the following question posed by the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Library staff: With the increased use of mobile devices and the availability of information anywhere, anytime, what activities or tasks does our user community engage in while at the Library? Data were gathered in several ways— daily counts to determine client workstation occupancy, an informal survey interview conducted three times a day with walk-in clients, and staff observations. Data collection periods were scheduled in summer 2013, fall 2013, and winter 2014. Analysis of the information collected revealed that for many survey respondents, the space represents an extension of their work environment. Although most of the MSK Library’s collection is available electronically, the physical space is important and valued by this user community as a “go-to” place for leisure, work, or library-related activities.

Envisioning the future of science libraries at academic research institutions : a discussion

A group of librarians, other information professionals, scientists and research administrators met to discuss the challenges that research libraries are currently facing. After the meeting a survey was conducted to obtain additional input from the group on several key challenges that arose from the discussions. The purpose of the meeting and survey was threefold: 1. Examine in detail, from a variety of perspectives, how the world of research is changing and the impact these changes have on the direction of research libraries. 2. Create an informed vision of how research libraries can be a vital partner to researchers. 3. Suggest a strategic approach for realizing this vision. The strategic approach presented in this white paper incorporates feedback from various sized research libraries, each with its own mission. The expectation is that individual libraries will use it as a guide in formulating strategies that are appropriate to their research communities, financial circumstances, and organizational reporting structure.