Changing Roles and Contexts for Health Library and Information Professionals

Library and information professionals working in the health sector face many challenges. Rapid developments in information technology and the provision of information, coupled with organizational developments and the widespread adoption of evidence-based practice have ensured constant change for a number of years. How have library and information professionals met this challenge and how has this affected the roles they play? Will developments in services render the hospital librarian obsolete? Is there a need for academic health librarians amongst the Google generation of students? This timely edited collection examines the evolving role of health professionals and explores the role they play in the context of where they work. It aims to encourage and inspire health information professionals worldwide to take on new opportunities and ensure their continued development and recognition as valuable assets in the changing health care environment. It covers: providing information; facilitating access to information and managing knowledge; building capacity; undertaking research and evaluation; supporting research and practice; exploiting technology; and evidence-based practice. This comprehensive text is essential reading for information workers and other health professionals, as well as students on librarianship and information studies courses.

Dr Alison Brettle is Research Fellow (Information), Salford Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Collaborative Research, Institute of Health and Social Care Research, University of Salford Dr Christine Urquhart is Senior Lecturer, Department of Information Studies, University of Aberystwyth.