Developing a generic tool to routinely measure the impact of health libraries. (18th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ayre, Stephen; Brettle, Alison; Gilroy, Dominic; Knock, Douglas; Mitchelmore, Rebecca; Pattison, Sophie; Smith, Susan; Turner, Jenny
• Is Part Of: Health information and libraries journal. Volume 35:Number 3(2018:Sep.)
• Page Start: 227
• Page End: 245
• Publication Date: 2018-07-18
• Subjects: evidence‐based library and information practice (EBLIP) -- evidence‐based practice (EBP) -- impact -- information services -- libraries, health care -- outcome measures -- surveys; Medical libraries -- Periodicals; Public health libraries -- Periodicals; Life sciences libraries -- Periodicals; Medical libraries -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Public health libraries -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Information science -- Periodicals; 026.61094105
• DOI: 10.1111/hir.12223
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-1834

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Health libraries contribute to many activities of a health care organisation. Impact assessment needs to capture that range of contributions. Objectives: To develop and pilot a generic impact questionnaire that: (1) could be used routinely across all English NHS libraries; (2) built on previous impact surveys; and (3) was reliable and robust. Methods: This collaborative project involved: (1) literature search; (2) analysis of current best practice and baseline survey of use of current tools and requirements; (3) drafting and piloting the questionnaire; and (4) analysis of the results, revision and plans for roll out. Findings: The framework selected was the International Standard Methods And Procedures For Assessing The Impact Of Libraries (ISO 16439). The baseline survey ( n = 136 library managers) showed that existing tools were not used, and impact assessment was variable. The generic questionnaire developed used a Critical Incident Technique. Analysis of the findings ( n = 214 health staff and students), plus comparisons with previous impact studies indicated that the questionnaire should capture the impact for all types of health libraries. Conclusions: The collaborative project successfully piloted a generic impact questionnaire that, subject to further validation, should apply to many types of health library and information services.