ASPECTS 2: So you want to be a Health Librarian? [TG1/ASPECTS2_Health]

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This workshop is part of the cpd25 Aspects programme, aimed at library staff looking to acquire additional skills and knowledge or staff working towards Chartership.

Have you ever wondered how subject specialist librarian roles differ from one another, or how you might transition into specialist subject support? Following on from CPD25’s popular ‘So you want to be a librarian?’ programme, this event is aimed at those working in libraries interested to learn about the peculiar joys and challenges of working as a health information professional.

Our speakers will provide insight into the missions and goals of their institutions; their day-to-day responsibilities and ongoing project work; the skills and experiences they have acquired and developed throughout their career paths; advice for aspiring professionals and explain why, even in the midst of a global pandemic and unprecedented pressure on health services, they love doing what they do.

You will have the opportunity to ask questions after each presentation.

Speakers:

Caroline De Brún: Knowledge and Evidence Specialist at UK Health Security England (formerly Public Health England). My current role involves finding the evidence to inform public health decision-making. I have worked in medical libraries in various settings since 1999. Throughout my career, I have focused predominantly on information literacy, evidence based practice, knowledge management, and improving access to good quality health information for all. More recently, I have been supporting the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Evidence for Global and Disaster Health Special Interest Group, exploring the role of libraries, and how they can support their communities, during disasters and times of crises.

Ruth Muscat: I have been a health librarian since 2004, for much of that time in clinical support-type roles. I have worked at the Hammersmith Hospital Library, Imperial College, and various UCL medical libraries including Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children and the Royal Free Medical Library. I then moved into public health as part of the team of Knowledge and Evidence Specialists at the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA, formerly Public Health England). In between I tried a sideways move into sales, but couldn’t resist the call of health librarianship. I am currently a full-time PhD student with Northumbria University, halfway through an NIHR Applied Research Collaboration-funded PhD entitled Enhancing knowledge mobilisation skills and training for health librarians: a comparative case study analysis in the North East and North Cumbria (NENC).

Fran Wilkie: My current job role is as a Service Manager within NICE’s Evidence Information Services team – which doesn’t tell you much about what I do! But I have more than 20 years’ experience working in the health information sector at both local and national levels – supporting students, clinicians and the library and knowledge staff community to find the best available evidence for decision making.

David Bedford: I have been an Academic Support Librarian at the Drill Hall Library in Medway since 2011. Here, I support student health and medical professionals from Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Greenwich and the Medway School of Pharmacy. My focus is on helping students develop information literacy skills which will serve them as health professionals after graduation as well as during their time at university.

Cost
£25.00 members
£50.00 non member institutions

Information for joining:

• This session is virtual and will run via Zoom. Once your booking has been confirmed, joining instructions will be emailed the day before the event.
• Electronic CPD attendance certificates can be provided on request. Please request via cpd25@london.ac.uk

Cancellations less than one week before the event will be charged a 50% cancellation fee. In the event of a ‘no-show’ on the day, the full fee will be charged.

To book a place please use our online booking form. Please remember to include your PO number as bookings cannot be confirmed without this.