Grampians Health’s Library Manager Gemma Siemensma
Grampians Health’s Library Manager Gemma Siemensma
Grampians Health is celebrating Library and Information Week 2023 from 31 July to 6 August by recognising the invaluable role that librarians and libraries play in providing access to credible sources of information to healthcare professionals.
Library and Information Week highlights the critical role that libraries play in helping researchers, readers, clinicians, and carers enhance their critical literacy skills to access reliable knowledge.
“This year, librarians are encouraging researchers, readers, clinicians, and carers to increase their critical literacy skills with the help of their local librarians,” said Gemma Siemensma, Grampians Health’s Library Manager.
She emphasized that librarians were health information professionals, and they played a key role in delivering research-derived data, information, and knowledge to healthcare clinicians, managers, policy-makers, educators, and researchers.
The dedicated librarians across all Grampians Health campuses assist individuals in understanding where information originates, why it appears in a specific way, who created it, who owns it, when it was created, who funded it, and whether it is factual.
“The use of evidence-based practice ensures that clinical practice is based on sound evidence and patients benefit as a result. Using evidence-based practice also results in more consistent clinical recommendations and practice across the health service,” said Ms Siemensma.
Grampians Health Libraries provide essential support to clinicians and researchers by offering access to current, accurate information. This access allows staff to advance their research and medical knowledge, contributing to improved patient outcomes. The libraries’ wealth of resources, combined with the expertise of librarians, ensures that the right information reaches the right hands, making it a cornerstone of the health service’s success.
To mark Library and Information Week, Grampians Health has invited all staff to participate in an engaging Online Treasure Hunt. By exploring the library’s tabs and answering a few questions, participants have a chance to win one of two $50 gift vouchers.
“Grampians Health Library is a trusted resource for finding the latest and best sources of evidence in medicine, nursing, and allied health research,” said Ms. Siemensma.
“We are celebrating Library and Information Week with the aim of fostering critical literacy skills, promoting evidence-based practice, and empowering our staff to make informed decisions for the benefit of patients and the wider healthcare community.”
[This was a media release prominently promoted throughout Grampians Health].