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Health Sciences Library Annual Report (2019-2020): Overview

In Review

Health Sciences Library Annual Report (2019-2020)

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

Operational Priorities (2019-2020)

Support research initiatives by:

check mark Promoting research and scholarly communications services.

check mark Creating and launching a subject guide about research metrics and predatory journals. NOTE: Guide was created but launched in the 2020-2021 academic year.

check mark Developing expertise in research data management.


Develop and deliver enhanced learning experiences by:

check mark Creating and launching content for a Twitter-based education series.

check mark Exploring options to incorporate interactivity into library tutorials.

check mark Building a subject guide to support beginner and advanced use of databases.


Build relationships through outreach by:

check mark Collaborating with the Research Office to advance research at NOSM.

check mark Engaging with the Medical Education Research Lab in the North (MERLIN) to promote available research supports.

check mark Extending invitations to staff and faculty (units, divisions, committees) for customized orientations and instruction.

check mark Inviting staff and faculty to contribute content for subject guides (e.g. Indigenous Health Resources guide)


Enrich the user experience by:

check mark Implementing Summons Recommender to enhance access to resources and services via our discovery layer.

check mark Acting on feedback from the biennial User Survey.

check mark Pursuing the option of trilingual signage.

​NOTE: check mark indicates complete

Operational Priorities (2020-2021)

Improve operational efficiencies by:
  • Maximizing the use of tools like Springshare and Sharepoint.
  • Eliminating the Integrated Library System, including the need for Library cards.
  • Completing the transition to an electronic collection.
  • Fully integrating the e-reserves system in the UME curriculum.
  • Streamlining the annual faculty publications search and database.
  • Addressing functional issues with the website.

Enrich the user experience by:
  • Providing 24/7 access to the spaces.
  • Implementing space improvements from the user survey.
  • Developing collections about social accountability, Francophone and Indigenous health.
  • Enhancing promotional activities.
  • Supporting the new Master of Medical Studies program.

Subject Guide

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Michael McArthur
Contact:
NOSM University, Health Sciences Library - Sudbury Campus
705-662-7282
Website

Advisory Group

The Health Sciences Library Advisory Group meets in the fall and the spring. It's primary functions are: 

  • To act as a link with the users of the Health Sciences Library
  • To ensure the Health Sciences Library’s policies and procedures reflect the vision, mission and strategic goals of NOSM 
  • To advise the Health Sciences Library Director in matters pertaining to: Collections, Strategic Priorities, Library Services & Facilities

The membership is a combination of ex-officio and elected representatives. The meetings are open to all users of the library.

About our locations

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