Transformational Change in Health Science Libraries: Space, Collection, Roles
On April 2, 2009 the Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, George T. Harrell Health Sciences Library hosted the conference Transformational Change in Health Sciences Libraries: Space, Collection, Roles. The Middle Atlantic Region of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine sponsored the event. Targeted to Health Sciences librarians and other interested groups, seventy attendees participated in the successful conference.
The one day conference included keynote presentations, panel discussions, and small group discussions on the timely topics related to reduction of print collections, reduction in library space, emerging roles for librarians and new services for libraries.
This website includes links to the presenters’ powerpoint presentations, podcasts and videocasts. Also included are a bibliography, key points of the discussions and links to relevant websites.
Agenda, Presentation and Podcasts
April 2, 2009
Penn State Hershey, George T. Harrell Health Sciences Library
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Penn State University College of Medicine
The conference was organized under four major themes:
- Models or best practices in libraries’ reduction of print collection
- Models and best practices in libraries’ reduction of space and/or
re-purposing of existing space - Emerging roles and identities of librarians in the changing physical environment
- Models or best practices of adjusting traditional library roles
and services
Pat Thibodeau presented the keynote address focusing on changes in health sciences libraries in general with implications for librarian roles and the need to transform skill sets.
Two panel discussions took place with Question and Answer format that addressed the conference themes. Each was followed by a breakout session with small group discussion about how to apply best practices and highlighting experiences at attendees’ institutions. Thoughtful dialogue transpired; experiences were shared and ideas were offered. The groups were organized as academic librarians and hospital librarians because of the distinct differences in the missions of these libraries.
The closing presentation was given by architect, Julie Polletta, who addressed the practical aspects of repurposing library space for alternative uses and the implications of the competing agendas of various stakeholders on outcome.
Recorders took notes throughout the day and the key ideas from the Panel Discussion have been summarized under the four themes. Similarly, the Issues and Actions that were identified in the Breakout sessions by the attendees are listed.
Outcomes:
- Attendees identified issues & concerns related to the reduction of print collections.
- Attendees defined issues & concerns surrounding libraries’ reduction of space and/or re-purposing of existing space.
- Attendees recognized the emerging roles and identities of librarians in the changing physical environment and plan accordingly.
- Attendees described ways of adjusting traditional library roles and services.
- Attendees built a network of experienced contacts.
Program Agenda
| 8:30 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. | Registration and light breakfast |
| 9:00 A.M. – 9:15 A.M. | Welcome, Cynthia Robinson, Director, Penn StateCollege of Medicine, George T. Harrell Health Sciences Library Presentation |
| 9:15 A.M. – 10:15 A.M. | Keynote Address: Pat Thibodeau Presentation podcast (mp3 17mb) and Powerpoint presentation |
| 10:15 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. | Break |
| 10:30 A.M. – 12:00 A.M. | Panel Discussion, Q&A: Models or best practices in libraries’ reduction of print collection; Models and best practices in libraries’ reduction of space and/or re-purposing of existing space Summary of keypoints from AM and PM Panel Discussions, sessions organized by theme. |
| 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. | Breakout Session to discuss issues addressed in panel discussion Summary of keypoints from AM and PM breakout sessions organized by theme. |
| 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. | Lunch |
| 2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. | Panel Discussion, Q&A: Emerging roles and identities of librarians in the changing physical environment; Models or best practices of adjusting traditional library roles and services |
| 3:30 P.M. – 3:45 P.M. | Break |
| 3:45 P.M. – 4:45 P.M. | Breakout Session to discuss issues addressed in panel discussion |
| 4:45 P.M. – 5:15 P.M. | Closing Address: Julie C Polletta, Architect podcast (mp3 38mb) & Powerpoint Presentation |
| 5:15 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. | Take Home Message and Concluding Remarks |
Keynote Speakers
Pat Thibodeau
Associate Dean for Library Services and Archives, Duke University Medical Center Library
Julie C Polletta, AIA, LEED AP
Principal, Radelet McCarthy Architects and Interior Designers
Panelists:
Barbara Iobst
Director of Library Services, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network
Christine Chastain-Warheit
Director, Medical Libraries, Christiana Care Health System
Heidi Nickisch Duggan
Associate Director, Galter Health Sciences Library, The Feinberg School of Medicine
Northwestern University
Cynthia Robinson
Director, George T. Harrell Health Sciences Library,
Penn State College of Medicine
Pat Thibodeau
Associate Dean for Library Services and Archives, Duke University Medical Center Library
Moderator:
Mike Heyd
Director, Medical Library
Susquehanna Health System
List of Attendees (PDF)
The George T. Harrell Health Sciences Library received a Library Space Planning Conference Award from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM), Middle Atlantic Region (MAR).
