The Lived Experience and Training Needs of Librarians Serving at the Clinical Point-of-Care

Abstract

This study examines the emotional experiences and perceptions of librarians embedded into clinical care teams and how those perceptions affect their training and preparation needs. Qualitative research methodologies were applied to textual data drawn from focus groups (n = 21), interviews (n = 2), and an online survey (n = 167), supplemented by quantitative survey data. Phenomenological results show librarians experience strongly affective responses to clinical rounding. Important factors include personal confidence; relationships with team members, patients, and families; and the stressful environment. Analysis of librarians’ perceived educational needs indicates that training must address specialized subjects including medical knowledge, clinical culture, and institutional politics.

KEYWORDS:

• Clinical librarians
• embedded librarianship
• grounded theory
• phenomenology
• point of care
• professional education
• training

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank Kathy Moeller, Kathryn Summey, Colleen Kenefick, Robert Tolliver, and Nita Ferree for their contributions and assistance with this study and article.

This article was based in part on a poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the Medical Library Association in May 17, 2011, <http://ufdc.ufl.edu/l/IR00003450/00001>, and a presentation at the Southern Chapter of the Medical Library Association on October 8, 2011, <http://ufdc.ufl.edu/l/IR00003451/00001>.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jennifer A. Lyon

Jennifer A. Lyon, MS, MLIS ([email protected]) is Biomedical and Translational Research Librarian, Health Sciences Library, Stony Brook University, HSC-Level 3, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8034; formerly Clinical Research Librarian, Health Science Center Libraries, P.O. Box 100206, 1600 S.W. Archer Rd., University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0106.

Gretchen M. Kuntz

Gretchen M. Kuntz, MSW, MSLIS ([email protected]) is Director, Borland Health Sciences Library, University of Florida-Jacksonville, 653-1 West Eighth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209.

Mary E. Edwards

Mary E. Edwards, EdD, MLIS ([email protected]) is Distance Education/Reference Librarian and Liaison; and

Linda C. Butson

Linda C. Butson, MPH, MLn ([email protected]) is retired; formerly Consumer Health and Community Engagement Librarian; both at Health Science Center Libraries, P.O. Box 100206, 1600 S.W. Archer Rd., University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0106.

Beth Auten

Beth Auten, MSLIS, MA ([email protected]) is Information Services Librarian, Carpenter Library, South Piedmont Community College, P.O. Box 5041, Monroe, NC 28110; formerly Reference and Liaison Librarian, Health Science Center Libraries, P.O. Box 100206, 1600 S.W. Archer Rd., University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0106.