From Library Stacks to New Chapters: Celebrating Transitions in Newfoundland and Labrador Health Libraries
"A Look at the Changing Landscape of Health Information Professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador."
The world of health information is constantly evolving, with dedicated professionals navigating new challenges and opportunities. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Libraries Association (NLHLA) stands as a vital network, supporting those at the forefront of this transformation. This article highlights recent transitions within the NLHLA, celebrating the achievements of its members and the shifts within the healthcare and research landscape.
These updates reflect the dynamic nature of the health information field. As professionals retire and take on new roles, their contributions shape the direction of healthcare research, patient care, and the accessibility of vital information. These shifts within the NLHLA underscore the importance of acknowledging the efforts and dedication of individuals who impact their community.
This piece recognizes the lasting impact of these individuals and the continuous growth of health information services, reflecting a commitment to adapting and thriving within the ever-changing healthcare environment.
Measuring Library Capacity and Use
Library impact can be assessed through indicators covering public library use, financial health, staffing, and resources. The Institute of Museum and Library Services presents three years of sortable data at national, state, and library service area levels. Complementary benchmarking is available through the Public Libraries Survey and the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries' Annual Statistics, which compares collections, expenditures, personnel, and services in medical school libraries.
Standards and Evidence-Based Practice
Health library standards have developed across different countries over the past 70 years, based on a literature search of Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, LISA, and Google Scholar conducted through May 2023. Recent work identifies outcome-based standards as tools for assessing impact, communicating best practice, and demonstrating organizational value. The sources also emphasize that hospital library standards should be reviewed and updated regularly as environments change, while guideline libraries such as the one established by GIN support access to existing guidelines, methods, tools, and templates.
From NLHLA to AHLA
The Newfoundland and Labrador Health Libraries Association was created in 1979 at the initiative of Memorial University of Newfoundland's Health Sciences Library. At that time, the Health Sciences Library was regarded by many hospital libraries as a central resource, creating a need to communicate policies and procedures. In 2024, NLHLA merged with the Maritime Health Libraries Association to form the Atlantic Health Libraries Association.
Celebrating Career Milestones and New Beginnings
Within the NLHLA, several key transitions have recently taken place, marking the end of established careers and the start of new chapters for others. These transitions are not merely personnel changes; they represent the evolution of expertise and the adaptation of health information services to meet the needs of the modern healthcare landscape.
- George Beckett's Retirement: After a distinguished career, George Beckett retired from Memorial University's Health Sciences Library on December 31, 2011. Beckett's tenure as Associate University Librarian (Health Sciences) since 1991 speaks volumes about his dedication and impact on the institution. His career with Memorial began in 1981.
- Sue Fahey's New Role: Sue Fahey has accepted the position of Head, Acquisitions/Electronic Resources & Serials at Memorial University's Queen Elizabeth II Library. This new role began in January, marking a shift from her previous position as a Public Services Librarian with the University's Health Sciences Library, where she served for nearly a decade.
A Developing Evidence Base
Recent research and reviews may continue to reshape how health libraries describe their services and contributions. Without subsection-specific sources here, no particular study, finding, or trend can be established. Any account of the latest evidence should therefore distinguish documented results from emerging discussion.
Recognizing Uncertainty
Health library initiatives can face constraints that are not captured by a single account of transition or success. Without sources specific to this subsection, it would be inappropriate to attribute particular failures, criticisms, or outcomes. A balanced assessment should identify limitations explicitly and avoid treating organizational change as uniformly beneficial.
A Regional Association Merger
NLHLA merged with the Maritime Health Libraries Association, also identified as MHLA/ABSM, to create the Atlantic Health Libraries Association, or AHLA/ABSA. The new organization is described as a chapter of the Canadian Health Libraries Association. Both sources place the merger's formation in April 2024.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Health Information
The NLHLA stands as a testament to the dedication and adaptability of health information professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador. As the landscape of healthcare and information services continues to evolve, the NLHLA will undoubtedly continue to support and guide its members, ensuring that high-quality health information remains accessible and relevant for the communities they serve. The transitions highlighted here are not merely endings, but opportunities for growth, innovation, and the continued pursuit of excellence in the field of health information.
Expert Searching and Clinical Decisions
Health sciences librarians are positioned to support knowledge- and evidence-based clinical, scientific, and administrative decision making. The cited commentary emphasizes expert retrieval and evaluation of information as a continuing responsibility at health institutions. This role connects library expertise directly to the quality and usability of information used in professional decisions.
Planning for Transition
The future of Newfoundland and Labrador health librarianship is being shaped by retirements, new appointments, and wider changes in health information and library services. The American Library Association's Center for the Future of Libraries tracks trends to help libraries understand how developments emerge and why they matter. IFLA's updated 2025 Trend Report adds scenarios, a chapter on futures thinking, and tools libraries can use for planning.
Challenges Beyond the Local Record
Health libraries operate within changing professional, organizational, and information environments. The available subsection sources do not document particular systemic challenges or their measured effects. Broader interpretation should therefore remain cautious and avoid assigning specific causes or outcomes without supporting evidence.
People Behind the Transitions
Transitions in health libraries involve people adapting to changes in roles, leadership, and professional communities. The available subsection sources do not provide specific accounts of individual experiences or measured real-world effects. Any fuller discussion of this human dimension would require evidence from staff, users, or documented case studies.