Book Clubs—Outreach Opportunities for Hospital Libraries

Abstract

Book clubs and discussion groups provide opportunities for hospital librarians to reach out to staff from all areas of their facilities while introducing them to literature reflecting participants’ personal and professional interests. Librarians presenting these case studies have coordinated local book clubs where topics ranged from titles about the nature of healing, to leadership development, and patient-centered care. Some also included contemporary novels of interest to participants. No matter the setting or scope of material discussed, each group has provided unique networking opportunities for staff to meet others working in various departments of their facilities.

KEYWORDS:

• Book clubs
• book discussion
• books
• hospital librarians
• staff development

Notes

This article not subject to U.S. copyright law.

Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Column Editors: Cheryl R. Dee ([email protected]), Kate Daniels ([email protected]), Priscilla L. Stephenson ([email protected]), and Peggy Cruse ([email protected]).

Color versions of one or more of the figures in the article can be found online at www.tandfonline.com/wmrs.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Priscilla L. Stephenson

Priscilla L. Stephenson, MSLS, MSEd, AHIP ([email protected]) is Chief, Library Service, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

Shannon Clever

Shannon Clever, MSLS ([email protected]) is Librarian/School at Work Coordinator, and Chair, VALNET Consumer Health Library Panel, Martinsburg VA Medical Center, 510 Butler Avenue, Martinsburg, WV 25405.

Teresa R. Coady

Teresa R. Coady, MLS ([email protected]) is Library Director, Medical Library, Orlando VA Medical Center, 5201 Raymond Street, Orlando, FL 32803.

Deniz Ender

Deniz Ender, MLS, AHIP ([email protected]) is Medical Librarian, Learning and Organizational Effectiveness, Rex Healthcare Library, 4420 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Michael Heyd

Michael Heyd, MLS, AHIP ([email protected]) is Director, Medical Library and Education Services, Susquehanna Health, 700 High Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.

Sara Peth

Sara Peth, AMLS, MPH ([email protected]) is Medical Library Manager/TMS Domain Manager, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Road 118L, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.