Taubman Health Sciences Library Phase 1 Report: Impact on Patient and Population Care

Abstract

In 2017, the Taubman Health Sciences Library Assessment Working Group was asked by their administrator to assess the impact of the library on patient and population care since planned library-wide assessments would not have a focus on information work in clinical areas. The group conducted an exploratory sequential mixed methods study to address the charge. It concludes that: The Taubman Library and its staff have a positive impact on UM patient and population care. The resources perceived to be the most important to individuals are readily available to them and contribute to all areas of their work. Informationists interact with a surprising number of individuals from the target population, but there is still room for growth. Informationists might not frequently connect people and groups, but when they do, the connections are almost always beneficial. The library and its informationists were well-positioned to address information needs during the pandemic based on its strong remote presence.