NER Hospital Librarians: Business of Healthcare

Abstract

NER Hospital Librarians is an educational series addressing the professional development needs of hospital librarians in the New England Region. Topics are determined by NNLM NER’s Hospital Libraries Advisory Group (HLAG). Example topics include: DOCLINE Update; Advanced PubMed; and Librarians Supporting Nursing Education and Scholarship. Webinars are schedule for one hour. In-person events are scheduled for five hours. Each session will highlight a topic of concern to hospital librarians. NNLM NER will identify subject experts to provide instruction either through WebEx or on-site at UMass Medical School. The sessions begin with introduction of topic and subject expert, include discussion on the impact on library management, and conclude with time for questions and answers. Whenever possible, the sessions will be recorded. In this webinar, we explored the biggest financial stressors for hospitals in New England. When faced with inadequate compensation for medical care, how do hospital administrators decide which departments to eliminate? In New England, we know that hospital libraries are closing at a rapid rate. Is there anything librarians could be doing to better demonstrate their worth? After reviewing the harsh economic realities, we will hear ideas from librarians in the field.