opportunities and challenges in providing global health information in liberia
DESCRIPTION
After the war in Liberia, all of the doctors fled the country. UMass Medical School's Library Director Elaine Martin traveled to Liberia with the help of James Comes and Andrew Creamer to-build a library for the nation's medical school. Through photos, graphs, and text, they share their story about how they were able to take big steps toward re-building the nation's health care system.TRANSCRIPT
Opportunities and Opportunities and Challenges in Challenges in
Providing Global Providing Global Health Information in Health Information in
LiberiaLiberia
Elaine MartinAndrew Creamer
James ComesUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School
OutlineOutline• History-How University of Massachusetts Medical
School started working in Liberia
• HEARTT
• Collaboration with other libraries in the U.S.
• Progress to date
• Challenges
Four VisitsFour Visits
• March 2011—Needs assessment; develop a plan • August 2011—Processing materials; setting
policies in preparation for the opening of the school year
• February 2012—Begin staff training; continue processing; introduce computers
• August 2012– Continue staff training and setting up an automated system and printer and copier
March 31 Meeting:
Identify action items to resolve issues presented
Identify medical library software needs; obtain HINARI password
Assess power, internet, computing capabilities & upgrades needed
Obtain draft operations manual & future status of Italian consultant
Develop additional content needed for operations manual
Gather and simplify library staff job descriptions & employee handbook that can be customized for Liberia
Design and implement staff training needed
Schedule and deliverTraining modules
Obtain basic supplies and containers for transport, storage use
Conduct site visit when schoolis in session to observe libraryuse & services
Once power, internet, computer availability is adequate, obtain and deliver CDs, memory sticks, software.
Install software
Actions taken toResolve identified issues
Donated books sorted and appropriate items ready for processing
Deliver supplies
PHASE1
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
PHASE 4
Liberia Medical LibrariesUpgrade Plan
Ready for the New Ready for the New SemesterSemester
Library as PlaceLibrary as Place
ChallengesChallenges• Lack of basic library supplies for processing
• Lack of fuel for electricity to keep library open at night
• Lack of transportation for staff
• Staff training—basic literacy, library science, and computer skills
• No internet access
Part 2: Part 2: Introducing Introducing
an Automated an Automated SystemSystem
August and September 2012
ConsiderationsConsiderations• Worked with Rong Tang to identify software• Elaine, Penny Glassman and Andrew Creamer
evaluated Librarysoft® software• Simple interface• Basic OPAC, patron and cataloging databases• Ability to upload Excel® spreadsheets • Ability to move data • Hold up to 7,000 materials in the collection• Flexible site license and support
Bumps in the RoadBumps in the Road
Teaching the New Teaching the New SystemSystem
Holding ClassesHolding Classes
ChallengesChallenges• Having each staff member learn each other’s
position• Separating the system’s functions on separate
laptops• Having the knowledge and equipment to back up
the system databases and maintain• Getting the staff to see the IT administrator as an
ally• Integrating an automated workflow into a paper-
based workflow
Adopting New Adopting New PracticesPractices
Teaching How to PrintTeaching How to Print
Bumps in the RoadBumps in the Road
ChallengesChallenges• Have the knowledge to open and locate students’
files using a USB storage device• Have the knowledge to evaluate files before
opening them and exposing the system to potential viruses
• Having the knowledge to run anti-virus applications
• Maintain printer and its supplies
Securing the SystemSecuring the System
Locking Printer and Locking Printer and ComputerComputer
Bolting Down Circ Bolting Down Circ ComputerComputer
Teaching Each OtherTeaching Each Other
Supporting Each Supporting Each OtherOther
Sharing Sharing ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities
Having Staff Buy InHaving Staff Buy In
Bright FutureBright Future
Part 3: Teaching Part 3: Teaching • HINARI and ARDI
• JFK Hospital Outreach
• Outreach to UL and US Embassy Libraries
• Creating a book bank
• Two steps forward forward, one step back
Thank YouThank You
