Subject knowledge in the health sciences library: an online survey of Canadian academic health sciences librarians
Date
2005
Authors
Watson, Erin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of the Medical Library Association
ORCID
Type
Article
Refereed Paper
Refereed Paper
Degree Level
Abstract
Objectives: This study investigated whether Canadian academic health
sciences librarians found knowledge of the health sciences to be
important and, if so, how they acquired and maintained this
knowledge.
Methods: Data were gathered using a Web-based questionnaire made
available to Canadian academic health sciences librarians.
Results: Respondents recognized the need for subject knowledge: 93.3%
of respondents indicated that subject knowledge was ‘‘very important’’
or ‘‘somewhat important’’ to doing their job. However, few respondents
felt that holding a degree in the health sciences was necessary.
Respondents reported devoting on average more than 6 hours per week
to continuing education through various means. Reading or browsing
health sciences journals, visiting Websites, studying independently, and
participating in professional associations were identified by the largest
number of participants as the best ways to become and stay informed.
Conclusions: Although more research needs to be done with a larger
sample, subject knowledge continues to be important to Canadian
academic health sciences librarians. Continuing education, rather than
formal degree studies, is the method of choice for obtaining and
maintaining this knowledge.
Description
By Erin M. Watson, MA, MLIS,
e.watson@usask.ca,
Information Services Librarian,
Health Sciences Library,
University of Saskatchewan,
107 Wiggins Road,
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5,
Canada
Keywords
Citation
93(4) October 2005