The recording for this webinar is now available.
During the question-and-answer session, the issue of increasing a medical or hospital library’s visibility among physicians, beyond having library staff serve on institutional committees, was raised. Attendees suggested the following approaches.
-Ask physicians what their specific research needs are; particularly if an evidence-based approach is necessary, an “evidence-based toolkit” in the research guides or elsewhere on the library’s website can be helpful
-Keep track of publications by physicians and send notes of congratulations
-Assist in searches for personnel, particularly nurses, since much research done by doctors involves collaboration with nurses
-Present at local meetings of medical organizations
-Hold library “office hours” in a doctors’ lounge, or another area of the hospital or medical center in which doctors are likely to congregate
-Distribute packets of library information during orientation for new employees, including physicians and administrators; if possible, including a nifty freebie, such as an ALA “READ” mug
-Also at orientation, try to schedule time for a library staff member to speak; even if can’t fit in speaker, ask for slides on library services to be included in presentations on organization