Theoretical issues in medical library and information sciences' articles published in scopus and web of science databases: A scoping review.

Nowadays, professions with stronger theoretical background usually have a better standing among other academic fields. The field of Medical Library and Information Science (MLIS) also requires developments in theoretical issues to increase its ranking and provide more effective support services and higher quality research. The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review of publications in MLIS in Scopus and Web of Sciences databases to identify the underlying theoretical issues in this field. The research method was a scoping review conducted in February 2022. Articles published in the field of MLIS for which the main theme or research outcomes were based on theoretical foundations, patterns, frameworks, theories and models, and without limitation on time were retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus databases. The retrieved articles were analyzed after necessary screening and evaluation. Based on the determined criteria, 49 articles were eventually analyzed. Patterns, theories, frameworks, and models used in the articles have been categorized into six general groups: (1) information (general) and information literacy; (2) models of evaluation and support services in libraries and information centers; (3) clinical, embedded librarianship, and professional librarianship; (4) scientometrics, selection and evaluation of articles, journals, and serials; (5) open access content; and (6) psychological and sociological models. The results indicate that published articles in the field of MLIS have used a considerable range of models, theories, and frameworks as the most important elements of theoretical concepts. These models, theories, and frameworks have been categorized into six main groups, a number of which have been involving collection development, organization of material, and most have been overseeing the distribution of information and support services in libraries and information centers. Whereas MLIS is an interdisciplinary field with specific applications for access to and distribution of information, it still has considerable potential for presenting models, frameworks, and theories.

Investigating information literacy skills perception and practices among medical and non-medical first-year students at a Nigerian university

Background: The study appraisedthe perceived information literacy proficiency of first-year students enrolled in the faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and pure Sciences at the University of Medical Sciences(UNIMED)in Ondo City, Nigeria. Method:Employing a correlational descriptive survey methodology, 120 students were proportionately selectedfrom the first-year students'population in the three faculties surveyed. The response rate was84%. Data for the study was collected using a questionnaire sectioned into four or five-point Likert scales. For the data analysis, the responses were rated 4, 3, 2,and 1 points or 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1,respectively, depending on the questionnaire section.Results:Based on our rubric, the students reported average-level information literacy skills and high-level internet navigation skills. The ability to utilise information effectively had the highest rating (x̄= 2.9/4.0),while the ability to access information was the lowest(x̄=2.7/4.0). The students also reported Google(x̄= 4.1/5.0), subject textbooks, and peers as the most frequentlyutilisedinformation sources, while academicsources such as journal databases(x̄=2.3/5.0), library catalogues, and librarians were the least used. No statistically significant distinctions were observed in the information literacy capabilities of first-year students from the three faculties or secondary school backgrounds. Conclusion:To promote acquiringinformation literacy skills for academic success and lifelong learning, this study emphasises the necessity for increased awareness and training on the effective usage of scholarly sources among first-year students in Nigerian universities.

Looking at Library Resource Usage Trends in Medical Residents & Fellows: Survey Results from 2006-2021.

Since 2006, the University of Tennessee's Preston Medical Library has collected survey feedback from exiting residents through targeted emails or at the required exit process in the library. Questions ask residents which types of articles or sources they use to find information and address the resident's use of the library's physical space. Survey results from 2006 to 2021 were examined for trends and changes in resident utilization of resources to better inform future library decisions on instruction and marketing. Resident resource usage varied over time and demonstrated an encouraging increase in attention to evidence-based tools. UpToDate's consistent popularity shows the durability of the product. A reported increase in use of reviews, randomized controlled trials, case reports, and practice guidelines reflects greater employment of more in-depth resources than merely expert opinion. At the same time, residents clearly valued the library's physical space. Survey results will inform future outreach focus.

Partnering for education and career development of librarians and information specialists.

Donald A.B. Lindberg M.D. was a strong proponent of self-improvement for all professions. He believed it was imperative for health sciences librarians to embrace lifelong learning as the Internet and networked information radically changed their work and opened new opportunities to increase their scope and impact. During Dr. Lindberg's 1984-2015 tenure as its Director, the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) became an even more dominant influence on education and career development of health sciences librarians. This chapter focuses on the way NLM partnered with other institutions and organizations to ensure that education and training were consistently part of the roll-out of new NLM programs and services as they were implemented.

Support Staff Take an Essential Role in Research Services.

The profound transformation of medical libraries over the last twenty years reflects the advancements in medical education and health care delivery, increased expectations of users, and accelerated evolution of technology. The Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library (CWML) used this opportunity to rethink how staffing could be redeployed to accommodate these new developments. After assessing processes, workflows, and individual responsibilities, library administration devised a novel team approach that would allow clerical & technical (C&T) staff to work across departmental lines to provide a broader variety of in-depth and frontline services. This paper will share how the C&T staff at the CWML developed a broader skill set, while providing library services to users in the rapidly changing field of medical education and health care services.

A health education outreach partnership between an academic medical library and public library: lessons learned before and during a pandemic.

Background: Public libraries serve as community centers for accessing free, trustworthy health information. As such, they provide an ideal setting to teach the local community about health and health literacy, particularly during public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2018, an outreach partnership between an academic medical library and public library has developed, delivered, and continuously evaluated a health education program targeting public library users. Case Presentation: Health education activities were integrated into three existing public library programs: adult workshops, child and family programming, and circulating family activity kits. Prior to COVID-19, events were held at the public library, which then pivoted online during the pandemic. An interprofessional team approach combined the expertise of academic medical and public librarians, medical school faculty and staff, and medical students in developing the educational programs. Twelve in-person and five virtual programs were offered, and five circulating health education family kits were launched. Activities were assessed using program evaluation surveys of the adult and children's programs and circulation statistics of the kits. Conclusions: This case report showcases the lessons learned from implementing a longitudinal outreach partnership between an academic medical library and public library before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The interprofessional team approach and flexibility in program design and delivery in both the in-person and virtual environments proved critical to the success of the partnership. This partnership could serve as a model for other libraries interested in pursuing interprofessional collaborations in educating local communities on healthy behavior and health information-seeking practices.

We are MLA: a qualitative case study on the Medical Library Association's 2019 Communities Transition.

OBJECTIVE: In 2019, the Medical Library Association (MLA) adopted a new model of community governance and participation, referred to as the MLA Communities Transition. The Communities Transition was the culmination of long-ranging plans by MLA to support two of its strategic goals: diversity and inclusion, and communities. The reorganization aimed to strengthen MLA member communities, better support programming, reduce administrative overhead, and attract new members. The 2019-2020 MLA Rising Stars cohort was tasked to study the Communities Transition and identify lessons that might be applicable to any major future change proposed for the organization. METHODS: A qualitative study was designed and conducted to investigate MLA member and leader perceptions of the change process, using John Kotter's eight steps for organizational change model as a framework. A set of fifteen open-ended questions was developed based on Kotter's model, and seventeen semistructured interviews were conducted to gather perceptions and feedback. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to explore and identify several themes across all discussions. RESULTS: Four major themes were identified: communication between leadership and membership, leadership during the change process, membership investment in change, and instituting change and future recommendations. The study revealed strengths in the overall implementation and execution of the transition, but it also highlighted several perceived issues with communication and information sharing. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings were used to develop recommendations for improved communication strategies and for handling large-scale changes within the organization in the future.

Leveraging microgrants to support capacity-building workshops in low- and middle-income countries for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.

Twenty fifteen marked the year of assessment for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs that achieved the greatest success were those where evidence-based practice (EBP) interventions were implemented. The ability to practice evidence-based medicine is grounded in the creation of and access to medical literature that synthesizes research findings. The role that global health literature played in the success of the MDGs demonstrates that medical libraries and librarians have a role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Librarians can hold capacity-building workshops that provide instruction on how to access evidence-based literature and also train health professionals to conduct synthesis research. Research findings conducted by in-country health professionals are more likely to address issues being faced by local communities and will afford the possibility of obtaining the necessary evidence-based answers that can then be used to implement policies to resolve public health issues identified in the SDGs. This paper discusses how an international team of librarians leveraged funding from a Medical Library Association/Librarians without Borders/Elsevier Foundation/Research4Life grant to hold a capacity-building workshop in Zimbabwe and follow-up online trainings. The workshop focused on accessing evidence-based resources and conducting synthesis research. Outcomes included the creation and policy implementation of evidence-based knowledge products in alignment with local needs and galvanizing a multisectoral group of key individuals who have gone on to collaborate toward the vision of creating a Zimbabwe innovation hub. Looking ahead, such grants can be leveraged to conduct capacity-building to support knowledge translation and other local training needs.

Partnering for Education and Career Development of Librarians and Information Specialists.

Donald A.B. Lindberg M.D. was a strong proponent of self-improvement for all professions. He believed it was imperative for health sciences librarians to embrace lifelong learning as the Internet and networked information radically changed their work and opened new opportunities to increase their scope and impact. During Dr. Lindberg's 1984-2015 tenure as its Director, the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) became an even more dominant influence on education and career development of health sciences librarians. This chapter focuses on the way NLM partnered with other institutions and organizations to ensure that education and training were consistently part of the roll-out of new NLM programs and services as they were implemented.

NLM's Library Network: A Force for Outreach.

This chapter considers the transformation of U.S. National Library of Medicine's (NLM) national network of libraries into an effective force for spreading awareness of NLM's resources, services, and tools and increasing their use. Several examples of network programs and projects are recounted to illustrate the influence of NLM's longest serving Director, Donald A.B. Lindberg M.D. on the development and evolution of NLM's library network.

MLA Colleague Connection: a transition to a virtual mentoring program.

Background: Since 2003, the MLA Membership Committee has facilitated an in-person mentoring program called Colleague Connection at the annual meeting. The program hinged on meeting attendance, so members who could not attend were excluded. The 2020 virtual meeting created an opportunity to rethink the Colleague Connection experience. Three members of the Membership Committee developed an expanded and virtual version of the mentoring program. Case Presentation: Colleague Connection was promoted via the MLA '20 vConference Welcome Event, MLAConnect, and email lists. The 134 participants were matched based on same-chapter preference, library type, practice area interest, and years of experience. Mentees chose mentor-mentee or peer pairs, resulting in 4 peer matchings and 65 mentor-mentee matchings. Pairs were encouraged to meet monthly, and conversation prompts were provided. A Wrap-Up Event was held for participants to talk about their experiences and network. A survey evaluated the program and sought suggestions for improvement. Conclusion: The online format boosted participation, and the format change was well received. In the future, a formal orientation meeting and communication plan can ensure pairs make their initial connections and provide clarity about program details, expectations, timelines, and contact information. The type of pairings and size of the program are important considerations for the feasibility and sustainability of a virtual mentoring program.

The Rutgers University Libraries Open and Affordable Textbook (OAT) Program.

The Rutgers University (RU) Open and Affordable Textbooks (OAT) Program provides $1,000 incentive awards to faculty who commit to redesigning or developing a course to use open or affordable course materials. This can include replacing a traditional textbook with open educational resources (OER), library-licensed materials, course reserves, self-developed materials, or a combination of these. It is a university-wide initiative, but this paper will focus on the impact on students in the health science programs. In many cases Health Sciences faculty went beyond using open educational resources by developing their own and making them freely available to their students and others. As of 2020 it is estimated students in the health sciences have saved $285,218 through the use of open materials and sustainable course design.

What Medical Students Want: A Library Survey of the First Ten Classes of a New College of Medicine.

In 2009, the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University opened its doors. From the start, its medical library sought student feedback by administering a survey to each class. The responses found that students use online resources far more than the facility, that the hours are mostly adequate, and that most students prefer a combination of print and electronic textbooks. By analyzing the data, the library determined students' preferences for space, services, and resources and how those preferences have changed over time. This data will inform future decisions about the library's collection, services, and facility.

NLM's library network: A force for outreach.

This chapter considers the transformation of U.S. National Library of Medicine's (NLM) national network of libraries into an effective force for spreading awareness of NLM's resources, services, and tools and increasing their use. Several examples of network programs and projects are recounted to illustrate the influence of NLM's longest serving Director, Donald A.B. Lindberg M.D. on the development and evolution of NLM's library network.

Institutional library reforms are needed to improve ayurveda education, practice and research: Inferences from a case study.

Libraries have always been the integral components of the academic institutions world over. Earlier known for housing the spectrum of books permitting their ready access to knowledge seekers, libraries of current age are no more confined spaces with limited functions. With the advancing information technology, the conventional definition of a library is changing to accommodate newer roles and challenges. Twenty-first century academic libraries are extending beyond the walls of their individual institutions and are evolving as open access information spaces, dealing with intelligent sharing through social communication and networking technologies. Despite such massive changes in the information storage and retrieval patterns across the globe, libraries at Ayurveda institutions in India seem by and large unbothered and unaffected. Poor educational and research standards in Ayurveda seem to have direct links with libraries contributing minimally to academic exchange and progress. An SCONUL survey conducted for the first time in any ayurvedic library setting in the country came as an eye opener stating clearly that Ayurveda institutional libraries require a major reform first to bring them at par with other academic libraries and subsequently to evolve them as the nucleus of knowledge fostering. These setups direly need a hand of help to become eligible for contributing what they are really meant to.

Servicios de la biblioteca de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos en tiempo de la COVID-19 / The services of the Medical Library of the University of Medical Sciences of Cienfuegos during the confrontation with COVID-19

RESUMEN Introducción: el surgimiento de la nueva pandemia COVID-19, exige que las bibliotecas médicas adquieran, perfeccionen y desarrollen nuevos métodos de trabajo. Ante la crítica situación epidemiológica mundial se exige que realicen un papel activo y de acompañamiento durante el desarrollo de los procesos docentes, asistenciales e investigativos. Objetivo: describir el funcionamiento de los servicios de la Biblioteca Médica de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos durante el enfrentamiento a la COVID-19. Método: estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, de corte transversal, realizado en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos, Cuba, entre el 1 de abril al 31 de mayo de 2020 y con una población de 103 estudiantes y 35 profesores. Los datos se recogieron en el modelo estadístico. Resultados: para la prestación de los servicios presenciales durante esta etapa se implementaron medidas de prevención y control de la COVID-19. Estudiantes y profesores de la carrera de Medicina fueron los que más visitaron la biblioteca durante este período (54.1%). La navegación por el Aula Virtual de Salud fue el servicio más demandado con un 34.1%, resultado que se fundamenta al estar el proceso docente - educativo sustentado en la educación a distancia. Conclusiones: ante esta situación que enfrenta hoy la humanidad la Biblioteca Médica de la UCMC ha demostrado que a través de un proceso organizado y planificado se puede brindar servicios que contribuyan al desarrollo de la docencia, la investigación y la asistencia médica.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the emergence of the new pandemic, COVID-19, requires that medical libraries acquire, perfect and develop new working methods. Given the critical global epidemiological situation, they are required to play an active and accompanying role during the development of teaching, care and research processes. Objective: to describe the operation of the services of the Medical Library of the University of Medical Sciences of Cienfuegos during the confrontation with COVID-19. Method: descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional study, carried out at the University of Medical Sciences of Cienfuegos, Cuba. Between April 1 to May 31, 2020 and with a population of 103 students and 35 teachers. The data was collected in the statistical model. Results: for the provision of face-to-face services during this stage, prevention and control measures of COVID-19 were implemented. Students and professors from the Medicine career were the ones who visited the library the most during this period (54.1%). Navigation through the Virtual Health Classroom was the most demanded service with 34.1%, a result that is based on the fact that the teaching - educational process is based on distance education. Conclusions: Faced with this situation that humanity faces today the UCMC Medical Library, have shown that through an organized and planned process, services can be provided that contribute to the development of teaching, research and medical assistance.

Intervención educativa para el desarrollo de la orientación vocacional en Bibliotecología Médica a niños de cuarto y quinto grados / Educational intervention for the development of career guidance in medical library science for fourth- and fifth-grade children

La orientación vocacional constituye un proceso importante a la hora de elegir una profesión, ya que dota del conocimiento necesario acerca de un perfil específico, y hace posible que los estudiantes estén orientados hacia las diferentes carreras, además de conocer su importancia y utilidad. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue evaluar el impacto de una estrategia de intervención sobre Bibliotecología Médica en niños de la escuela primaria Hugo Chávez, del municipio Boyeros. Para esto se realizó un estudio transversal entre noviembre del año 2018 y febrero de 2019. El universo estuvo constituido por 40 estudiantes de cuarto y quinto grados y la muestra por 16 de estos alumnos, quienes aceptaron participar en el estudio. La estrategia de intervención utilizada consistió en un círculo de interés sobre Bibliotecología Médica y las actividades en que participaron fueron juegos de roles, conferencias, prácticas y videos. Esta intervención fue evaluada de positiva en el 100 por ciento de los niños encuestados, la cual aportó conocimientos sobre el tema en cuestión y contribuyó al amor por la profesión, a la formación de valores y a los principios éticos en los participantes(AU)

Career guidance plays an important role when the time comes to choose a profession, for it provides necessary knowledge about a given profile, as well as information about the different studies, their importance and usefulness. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of an intervention strategy about medical library science on children from Hugo Chávez elementary school in the municipality of Boyeros. To achieve this end, a cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to February 2019. The study universe was 40 fourth- and fifth-grade students, from whom a sample of 16 was selected, who accepted to participate. The intervention strategy consisted in a career interest group about medical library science, and the activities performed were role playing, lectures, practice sessions and videos. 100 percent of the children surveyed evaluated the intervention as positive, for it provided knowledge about the topic and helped to enhance love for the profession, value training and ethical principles among participants(AU)

Estudio de necesidades de información de los usuarios de la biblioteca en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas en Cienfuegos / Study of information needs of library users at the University of Medical Sciences in Cienfuegos

RESUMEN Fundamento: La determinación de las necesidades de información de los usuarios puede influir en los servicios y recursos informativos de la biblioteca universitaria. Objetivo: Aplicar la metodología para el estudio de las necesidades de información, conocimiento y aprendizaje en las bibliotecas y centros de documentación de salud a los usuarios de la biblioteca de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas en Cienfuegos. Metodología: Se utilizaron los métodos descriptivos, analítico-sintético e inductivo deductivo. Resultados: Se describieron los nueve 9 procesos de la metodología: diagnóstico de la organización y de su entorno, identificación y registro de los usuarios, determinación de segmentos y grupos de usuarios, determinación de las prioridades entre los grupos para la gestión del aprendizaje, definición de la política diferencial de la oferta, determinación de necesidades (y disponibilidades) de aprendizaje, diseño de las ofertas, sistematización de la tecnología de gestión del aprendizaje y evaluación de la calidad y de la utilidad de los procesos de la gestión del aprendizaje. Conclusiones: La aplicación de la metodología permitió realizar el estudio y determinar las necesidades de los usuarios de la biblioteca universitaria y dar prioridades en los servicios para una mayor satisfacción.

ABSTRACT Background: The determination of the users´ information needs can influence on the services and information resources of the university library. Objective: To apply the methodology for the study of information, knowledge and learning needs in libraries and health documentation centers to the library users at the University of Medical Sciences in Cienfuegos. Methodology: Descriptive, analytical-synthetic and deductive- inductive methods were used. Results: The nine processes of the methodology were described: diagnosis of the organization and its environment, identification and users registration, determination of segments and users groups, determination of priorities among the groups for learning management, definition of the differential policy of the offer, determination of learning needs (and availability), design of offers, systematization of learning management technology and evaluation of the quality and usefulness of learning management processes. Conclusions: The application of the methodology allowed carrying out the study and determining the needs of the users of the university library and prioritizing the services for greater satisfaction.

Estudio de necesidades de información de los usuarios de la biblioteca en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas en Cienfuegos / Study of information needs of library users at the University of Medical Sciences in Cienfuegos

RESUMEN Fundamento: La determinación de las necesidades de información de los usuarios puede influir en los servicios y recursos informativos de la biblioteca universitaria. Objetivo: Aplicar la metodología para el estudio de las necesidades de información, conocimiento y aprendizaje en las bibliotecas y centros de documentación de salud a los usuarios de la biblioteca de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas en Cienfuegos. Metodología: Se utilizaron los métodos descriptivos, analítico-sintético e inductivo deductivo. Resultados: Se describieron los nueve 9 procesos de la metodología: diagnóstico de la organización y de su entorno, identificación y registro de los usuarios, determinación de segmentos y grupos de usuarios, determinación de las prioridades entre los grupos para la gestión del aprendizaje, definición de la política diferencial de la oferta, determinación de necesidades (y disponibilidades) de aprendizaje, diseño de las ofertas, sistematización de la tecnología de gestión del aprendizaje y evaluación de la calidad y de la utilidad de los procesos de la gestión del aprendizaje. Conclusiones: La aplicación de la metodología permitió realizar el estudio y determinar las necesidades de los usuarios de la biblioteca universitaria y dar prioridades en los servicios para una mayor satisfacción.

ABSTRACT Background: The determination of the users´ information needs can influence on the services and information resources of the university library. Objective: To apply the methodology for the study of information, knowledge and learning needs in libraries and health documentation centers to the library users at the University of Medical Sciences in Cienfuegos. Methodology: Descriptive, analytical-synthetic and deductive- inductive methods were used. Results: The nine processes of the methodology were described: diagnosis of the organization and its environment, identification and users registration, determination of segments and users groups, determination of priorities among the groups for learning management, definition of the differential policy of the offer, determination of learning needs (and availability), design of offers, systematization of learning management technology and evaluation of the quality and usefulness of learning management processes. Conclusions: The application of the methodology allowed carrying out the study and determining the needs of the users of the university library and prioritizing the services for greater satisfaction.

Health Sciences Patron Preference for Library Spaces: A Multisite Observational Study.

Health sciences libraries are often challenged to make decisions regarding physical space allocation without quantitative data to support specific user preferences. This multisite, longitudinal study sought to answer the following questions related to academic health sciences libraries: (1) Which library spaces are popular with health sciences patrons? (2) How does time of day and allocated seating space affect patron choices? (3) What similarities and differences occur in space usage across four different health sciences libraries? Results suggest health sciences libraries must develop a nuanced understanding of their patrons' preferences to best serve patrons' needs regarding space allocation. Libraries can benefit from these types of methodological studies that target specific populations, supporting more informed space allocation decision making.