The tabs above draw attention to the service areas of the Library, each reporting on the academic year 2019-2020 (July 2019 to June 2020). Our skilled librarians lead each of the areas: Access Services, Education Services, Research & Scholarly Communications and Public Services. Also included is an "Initiatives & News" tab to highlight special events and promotions from the year.
Far from a normal year, in mid-March we closed the library spaces and provided virtual only services until the summer. COVID-19 has disrupted many elements of our normal operations, however, the staff are incredibly adaptive and resilient. They ensured services continued, access to resources was available or made available and generally demonstrate flexibility on a regular basis. Although a period of great stress and uncertainty, it has also provided an opportunity for us to reflect and adapt. A disruption unlike any we've experienced, it is reflected in changes to our statistics and usage of the space, but more importantly, in pushing us outside our comfort zone to consider new and creative ways to serve our users.
Below are the operational priorities for the year 2019-2020 with status outcomes, and the operational priorities identified for 2020-2021.
We have an annual review process that ensures that these priorities continue to align with NOSM's Strategic Plan and related goals. We engage with our stakeholders to ensure our goals reflect the needs of our users, in addition to operational requirements. Suggestions for future priorities are always welcome. As NOSM was drafting a new Strategic Plan (2020-2025), we targeted our priorities to strengthen our foundation and to be ready to respond to NOSM 2025 once it is launched.
Previous reports are available on our website, and please do send along your comments or questions about this report.
Patty Fink - Director, Research & Health Sciences Library
Promoting research and scholarly communications services.
Creating and launching a subject guide about research metrics and predatory journals. NOTE: Guide was created but launched in the 2020-2021 academic year.
Developing expertise in research data management.
Creating and launching content for a Twitter-based education series.
Exploring options to incorporate interactivity into library tutorials.
Building a subject guide to support beginner and advanced use of databases.
Collaborating with the Research Office to advance research at NOSM.
Engaging with the Medical Education Research Lab in the North (MERLIN) to promote available research supports.
Extending invitations to staff and faculty (units, divisions, committees) for customized orientations and instruction.
Inviting staff and faculty to contribute content for subject guides (e.g. Indigenous Health Resources guide)
Implementing Summons Recommender to enhance access to resources and services via our discovery layer.
Acting on feedback from the biennial User Survey.
Pursuing the option of trilingual signage.
NOTE: indicates complete
The Health Sciences Library Advisory Group meets in the fall and the spring. It's primary functions are:
The membership is a combination of ex-officio and elected representatives. The meetings are open to all users of the library.
Located on the 2nd floor at the Lakehead Campus and the 1st floor at the Laurentian Campus
Wireless Internet Access & public use computers
Colour printing, photocopying & scanning
Open 81 hours per week during the academic year
74 mixed type seating between both campuses
Group rooms available at the Lakehead campus
Poster printing available at the Laurentian campus
Mobile device charging stations
