Clinical Librarians in the ICU: From Providing Just-in-Time

Information to Creating Ubiquitous Information Solutions

Amy L. HarperClinical Research and Collaboration Librarian

University of WashingtonEmerging Roles Symposium

October 12, 2012

Outline

1. My Environment2. Project Highlight: OCCAM3. Librarian as Entrepreneur 4. Advice for the Embedded Librarian

1. My Environment

• University of Washington Health Sciences Library

• Harborview Medical Center: Research & Information Service– Librarian in-context/Embedded Librarian

2. Project Highlight: OCCAM

• Online Clinical Care Algorithms & Messages• Content management system that collects and

presents institution-specific protocols and algorithms in desktop and mobile-optimized formats

• Goal: Single, peer-reviewed repository for locally produced protocols and algorithms

Pilot Study

• Observed information-seeking in trauma ICU • Integrated clinical librarian as member of

rounding team, equipped with an iPad• Recorded and classified types of questions

encountered

Barriers to Using Protocols

• Information is scattered:– Paper pocket guides, department websites, intranet

sites, specialty websites

• Information is questionable:– Last reviewed? – Updated? – Author?

• Information doesn’t exist

Usage Over 6-Month Period

3. Librarian as Entrepreneur

“Build something that doesn’t exist and create something that wasn’t there before that is now absolutely essential.”

Matthews, B. (2012). Think like a startup: A white paper to inspire library entrepreneurship.

Successful Startups: Framework for Action

1. Fail Faster, Fail Smarter2. Feed the Feedback Loop3. Good Enough is Good Enough to Start4. Pivot Toward Success5. Don’t Get Stuck Following Plan A6. Plant Many Seeds7. Seize the White Space

Entrepreneurial Library Projects:

1. Validate ideas early, revise2. Build feedback into process3. Everything is beta4. Be willing to adjust course5. Seize new opportunities6. See what gains interest7. Address unmet needs

4. Advice for the Embedded Librarian

• Secure support from your organization and your colleagues.

• Have an entrepreneurial mindset.• Translate library science to other disciplines.• Build trusted relationships.• Move outside of your comfort zone.• Don’t just think, but act outside of the box.

Carlson, J., & Kneale, R. (2011). Embedded librarianship in the research context: Navigating new waters. College & Research Libraries News, 72, 3, 167-70.

References• Matthews, B. (2012). Think like a startup: A white paper to

inspire library entrepreneurship. Retrieved from http://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/handle/10919/18649

• Carlson, J., & Kneale, R. (2011). Embedded librarianship in the research context: Navigating new waters. College & Research Libraries News, 72, 3, 167-70.

Thank You!

Amy L. Harperalharper@uw.edu