Health Library Staff Member Spotlight
When did you first start working in a health library?
My first health library role was here, working in the Sunshine Coast Health Institute (SCHI) Library in 2021. But my first foray into library work was back in the early 1990s when I helped my mum, also a librarian, to run the school holiday programs at the local public library!
How/Why did you join health librarianship?
I had worked in healthcare, primarily in the clinical governance space, for 15+ years, and whilst not a clinician I loved indirectly helping to impact patient care. Studying librarianship had been at the back of my mind for a number of years and I jumped at the opportunity to join the SCHI Library team and combine my healthcare experience with my enthusiasm for libraries.
What was your previous employment background, prior to health libraries?
Interestingly, I considered studying librarianship when I finished school. That said, my mother was a librarian and being a typical 18 year old, I didn't want to do the same thing as my mum! Instead, I became an organisational psychologist, working in the areas of change management, team development, and process improvement. It took me 15 years to come back around and follow in my mother’s footsteps.
How do you describe your current position?
A fantastically varied role. I lead our small (but mighty!) team, ensure we optimise our budget, contribute to broader SCHI initiatives, as well as undertaking literature searches, delivering training, providing outreach services across our health service, and, of course, supporting staff and students with referencing, printer troubleshooting, and all manner of other wonderful questions at the Help Desk.
What do you find most interesting or enjoyable about your current position?
This is an easy one! The staff and students we support, and the amazing team I work with! I also love belonging to a profession that is so generous in the sharing of knowledge, skills and experience.
What has been your biggest professional challenge?
An ongoing challenge for all health libraries is demonstrating their value in a sector which is under constant financial pressure. For me, it is important to not only convey 'what' we do, but the impact our work has in a way that makes sense to senior decision makers. e.g. how a literature search contributed to a successful research grant or enabled a change in clinical practice. We have a supportive senior leadership team here at Sunshine Coast Health, but I am always conscious of their challenge to distribute a finite budget across many services and specialties.
What do you consider the main issues affecting health librarianship today?
The impact of AI 'slop'. AI tools continue to improve and they do have a role to play, but careful consideration is required when applying them to patient care. As health librarians I think we have a responsibility to encourage clinicians to critically appraise their sources, to actually track down articles (ensure they are not hallucinations), and to utilise the trustworthy, evidence-based tools that are provided through our health services.
What would you do if you weren’t a health librarian?
I think I've hit the jackpot in this role! Taking the leap and changing careers is one of the best things I've done.
What is your favourite non-work activity?
Anything outdoors, but I'd have to say surfing. It's fantastic way to start the day, and nothing beats a late afternoon winter glass-off!
What have you been reading / watching / listening to of late that you have really enjoyed?
Like so many others, I am currently binge-watching The Pitt. In terms of books, I've just finished The Names by Florence Knapp - three cleverly crafted pathways woven into one novel.