Best Practice in Library/Information Technology Collaboration

Abstract

This article, co-authored by a hospital's Director of Library Services and its Chief Information Officer, examines the relationship between the Hospital Library and the Information Technology department. It describes the value of a collaborative relationship, the individual and common missions and visions of each department, the challenges facing each, as well as the challenges they share. Barriers to collaboration are identified and effective collaboration models are presented. Suggestions and recommendations for Best Practice in Library/IT Collaboration from the Library Director and the CIO are provided. Supporting the institution's mission and meeting its goals are more successfully accomplished when there is a strong partnership between these two departments.

Key Words:

• Information systems
• libraries
• interprofessional relations
• collaboration