The Libraries in Hospices Network was established as an informal group of staff working in library, information and education roles who provide services to support education, research and best practice in hospice and palliative care organisations. It was started by Denise Brady who, until her retirement, was the librarian at St Christopher’s Hospice in London. She did a lot to promote the work of information services in hospices and recognised the value of a network for mutual support and co-operation as staff and volunteers are often working in isolation and, very often, covering the service as part of another role.
The aims of the Network are:
- To provide a point of contact for advice, support and information to all library and information staff and volunteers in similar roles across the UK
- Develop ways of working together to share good practice, resources and expertise
- Promote the usage of library and information services within hospice and palliative care organisations
We have an email discussion list which members can use to ask questions or discuss issues of interest. We also have occasional topic-specific telephone conferences. Staff or volunteers in education roles can also benefit from the network. In the past our study days have looked at accessing evidence based resources via NHS Evidence, improving literature searching skills and accessing full-text journals via Athens registration, all essential areas for clinical educators.
Libraries in Hospices Study Day
Once a year we hold a study day, inviting library and education staff and volunteers to join us for a lively programme of presentations and discussions relevant to hospice and palliative care. Again this was Denise Brady’s idea and following her retirement, the group was keen to continue her work. This year we have organised a study day on the March 8 to be held in the Education Centre at Arthur Rank Hospice. It is a new building, opened in November 2016, and has a purpose-built education and conference centre.
This study day will provide an opportunity for learning and development and is aimed at staff and volunteers with an interest in the provision and delivery of library and information services in hospice and palliative care settings across the UK. It will be of interest both to library staff, paid and voluntary, and to people who are not librarians but who provide information services alongside their main role.
By attending the study day participants will:
- Have an understanding of current library provision in hospices in the UK and the potential to develop services through networking and collaboration
- Learn about resources available for supporting dementia care and how the library can contribute to initiatives to develop dementia-friendly services
- See examples of case studies in supporting evidence-based practice and strategic direction
- Learn about the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and what libraries need to do to ensure compliance
- Discover a range of e-books and e-resources which can support library users’ education and professional development
- Explore ways of promoting the hospice library to potential users
For a link to the registration page or to see more details about the venue, please click here.
Libraries in Hospices welcomes new members and suggestions of how we can take our network forward and share knowledge and support. For more information please contact Sue Langley, Librarian at East Anglia’s Chlidren’s Hospices.
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