Award Report- Information Access Improvement Project
The Medical Library at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center (Utica, NY) supports a Family Residency Program, medical and other students, 325 physicians, nurses and hospital staff and several medical clinics. Our affiliated College of Nursing and School of Radiography, (who have their own separate library), also has students and faculty that rotate through the hospital that use the Medical Library for research and information as well.
The Technology grant allowed the library to purchase three new computers with software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) that will allow better access to the library’s electronic resources via the Medical Library’s Intranet page and access to the Library’s electronic resources. Two of the computers were placed on the computer study carrels adding to the 4 originally there. One was placed on my assistant’s desk because of her desk’s proximity to the copier and phone. Since the assistant is part-time, the computer reverts to public access when she is not there. This computer location has become very popular. Residents really like to sit there and work on presentations since it has near it a phone and a copier. The assistant has the added benefit of a new computer to use for ILL’s, Circulation, and other tasks.
The Technology Grant has alleviated the waiting times and response has been positive. The residents and students use all of the computers heavily for Grand Rounds, Journal Club, daily information research for rounds and other educational activities. The PowerPoint and Word, Excel software has been very useful.
Having an adequate number of computers which provide access to electronic Library information sources aligns with St. Elizabeth’s mission statement: St Elizabeth’s Medical Center community, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi and faithful to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, is committed to excellence in healthcare and education. We pledge to do this with compassion and respect for the dignity of all.
Halyna Liszczynskyj. St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Medical Library. Utica, NY
