Systems Librarianship Through the Lens of an Open Systems Framework in a Hospital Library Setting: A Case Report

Abstract

Systems librarianship, when merged with the position of informationist, evolves into the identity of the systems informationist in the hospital setting. The Health Sciences Library at Geisinger has successfully implemented a systems informationist role within an open systems framework. The duties of the systems informationist are framed here using: input for information-seeking behavior; throughput of clinical support for patient care; output by user experience in research and education; and feedback to elevate operational excellence. This case report contributes a focused approach to systems librarianship, providing examples for other hospital libraries that may be interested in developing their own Systems Services.

Keywords:

• Systems librarians
• systems informationists
• hospital libraries
• informationists
• systems services
• open systems framework

Acknowledgments

We are grateful for the support of our past, present, and future colleagues throughout the organization, with special recognition of Abigail’s legacy, and Myrtle’s reassuring presence.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Elizabeth B. Kavanaugh

Elizabeth B. Kavanaugh, MSLIS, MSHCI, AHIP ([email protected]) is the Digital Systems Informationist at the Geisinger Health Sciences Library in Danville, Pennsylvania, USA.

Patricia A. Ulmer

Patricia A. Ulmer, MLS AHIP ([email protected]) is the Director of Library Services for Geisinger Health System at the Geisinger Health Sciences Library in Danville, Pennsylvania, USA.