Demonstrating library value: the development of a customizable Library Value Planner.

Abstract

Background: Library professionals in the health sciences sector need to strategically plan and map out library services. Each library and their parent organization have unique needs and service offerings.

Objective: To develop an adaptable Library Value Planner (LVP) tool based on the Levels of Library Service benchmarking document developed by the Health Science Information Consortium (HSIC) that can be used for (i) strategic and operational planning and (ii) mapping out needs for implementing new library services in individual contexts.

Methods: This project involved: (i) searching the literature; (ii) analyzing current trends and best practices in Canadian health libraries; (iii) updating and renaming of the Levels of Library Service document; (iv) drafting and disseminating a French and English survey; (v) leading French and English focus groups; (vi) analyzing the feedback received from the surveys and focus groups, and (vii) revising the tool based on this feedback.

Results: The results from the surveys and the focus groups showed that participants were satisfied with the versatile nature of the LVP. Some respondents expressed concerns about the formatting of the LVP and others were not sure how and when the LVP ought to be used. This feedback highlighted the need to develop and disseminate education for library professionals about the tool.

Conclusion: The CHLA/ABSC Standards Standing Committee developed a flexible and robust tool that, when paired with education, can be used to advocate and demonstrate the value of library services in the health sciences.