Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2016
Publication Title
Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA
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.
Department
Library Science
Recommended Citation
Huffman, Isaac R; Martin, Heather J; and Delawska-Elliott, Barbara (Basia), "Creating a library holding group: an approach to large system integration." (2016). Articles, Abstracts, and Reports. 198.
https://digitalcommons.providence.org/publications/198
