Publication Title
Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2016
Keywords
Efficiency, Organizational; Humans; Libraries, Hospital; Library Services; Models, Organizational; Montana; Oregon; Periodicals as Topic; Systems Integration; Washington
Abstract
PURPOSE: Faced with resource constraints, many hospital libraries have considered joint operations. This case study describes how Providence Health & Services created a single group to provide library services.
METHODS: Using a holding group model, staff worked to unify more than 6,100 nonlibrary subscriptions and 14 internal library sites.
RESULTS: Our library services grew by unifying 2,138 nonlibrary subscriptions and 11 library sites and hiring more library staff. We expanded access to 26,018 more patrons.
CONCLUSIONS: A model with built-in flexibility allowed successful library expansion. Although challenges remain, this success points to a viable model of unified operations.
Specialty/Research Institute
Library Science
