Article
Creating a library holding group: an approach to large system integration.
Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2016
Keywords
- Efficiency, Organizational,
- Humans,
- Libraries, Hospital,
- Library Services,
- Models, Organizational,
- Montana,
- Oregon,
- Periodicals as Topic,
- Systems Integration,
- Washington
Disciplines
Abstract
PURPOSE: Faced with resource constraints, many hospital libraries have considered joint operations. This case study describes how Providence Health & Services created a single group to provide library services.
METHODS: Using a holding group model, staff worked to unify more than 6,100 nonlibrary subscriptions and 14 internal library sites.
RESULTS: Our library services grew by unifying 2,138 nonlibrary subscriptions and 11 library sites and hiring more library staff. We expanded access to 26,018 more patrons.
CONCLUSIONS: A model with built-in flexibility allowed successful library expansion. Although challenges remain, this success points to a viable model of unified operations.
Department
Library Science
Citation Information
Isaac R Huffman, Heather J Martin and Barbara (Basia) Delawska-Elliott. "Creating a library holding group: an approach to large system integration." Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA (2016) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/barbara-delawska-elliott/23/