Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-16-2023

Publication Title

MLA | SLA ’23: Looking Back, Forging Ahead

Publisher

Medical Library Association (MLA); Special Libraries Association (SLA)

Publisher Location

Detroit, MI

First page number:

1

Last page number:

12

Abstract

The University of Houston is a Tier 1 public research university in Houston, Texas. In 2015, the university began planning for a medical school to launch in 2020. In 2018, planning began for a new medical library space to open in 2022 as a collaboration between the university libraries and the medical school. The planning process included meetings and a proposal document that went through several iterations and incorporated administrator feedback from both units.

This project has required the consideration of numerous factors including effective methods of co-administration, usage, and the provision of shared services. The Medical Library is managed in a collaborative manner by a team consisting of both librarians and circulation staff. Mirroring collections and services offered at the larger health sciences library while identifying and addressing the unique needs of the medical school have been key to ensuring a successful opening. It has also been necessary to take a staggered approach to purchasing, personnel, and deployment of services and programming to avoid overstretching the capacity of those involved.

Medical library spaces are necessary for medical education success. Library spaces have evolved over the years and will continue to shift with advances in curriculum, technology, and remote learning. With this constant change in mind, planning for and establishing a new medical library requires hard work, clear communication, and a phased planning approach. Being prepared for multiple contingencies is helpful; however, it will be necessary to embrace the chaos as plans inevitably fall through and new strategies must be created on the fly. Flexibility and patience are required, and the evolving needs of students, faculty, and staff should be at the forefront of planning and execution.

Keywords

Health Sciences Librarianship; Medical Librarianship; Library Planning & Management; Medical Library; Strategic Planning

Disciplines

Health Sciences and Medical Librarianship | Library and Information Science

File Format

PDF

File Size

564 KB

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Additional Files
SupplementalFile_CorralA_HelbingR_ChaosIsAFriendofMine_2023.pdf (1132 kB)
Presentation Slides
Download


Share

COinS