Objective: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the tools used to measure the financial value of libraries in a clinical setting. Methods: Searches were carried out on ten databases for the years 2003-2013, with a final search before completion to identify any recent papers. Results: Eleven papers met the final inclusion criteria. There was no evidence of a single 'best practice', and many metrics used to measure financial impact of clinical libraries were developed on an ad hoc basis locally. The most common measures of financial impact were value of time saved, value of resource collection against cost of alternative sources, cost avoidance and revenue generated through assistance on grant submissions. Few papers provided an insight into the longer term impact on the library service resulting from submitting return on investment (ROI) or other financial impact statements. • It is worth pursuing the concept of value of information studies in the context of clinical libraries.• Health library associations should collaborate on the development of common measurement standards, which reflect accounting practices in the wider clinical setting.• Health librarians should commit to adopting and implementing these standards in their own organisation.• It is important that health librarians identify and include feedback and outcomes in studies analysing the financial impact of their clinical library service.
The Association for College and Research Libraries published the Information Literacy Competency Standards for Nursing (ILCSN) in January 2014, written by a task force of the Health Sciences Interest Group of the American Library Association. The ILCSN describes skills ranging from basic to advanced information research competencies for students enrolled in nursing programs at all levels and for professional nurses. This article guides administrators and faculty in use of the standards to design programs and coursework in information skills to support evidence-based practice.
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