A post-merger hospital library collection survey and data analysis indicated better resource allocation and user satisfaction

Alexandra Davis, Risa Shorr, Kaitryn Campbell, and Jessie McGowan
Page(s) 29-38  | Published by the Canadian Health Libraries Association

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Abstract: Library Services at The Ottawa Hospital was created as the result of a series of hospital mergers. Before the merger, the collections of the previous three libraries consisted primarily of print monographs and journals. The new collection meant better access to more resources. While Library Services' staff could see the many benefits of the changes, they wondered whether these benefits were successfully communicated to hospital staff and physicians and whether electronic access was being adopted. Through qualitative and quantitative data analysis, resource management issues resulting from the shift from paper textbooks and journals to electronic resources were reviewed. Of the users who had been at the hospital more than 5 years — approximately 50% of those surveyed — half of them remained satisfied with the collection, and the other half said their satisfaction had increased. Of the users who had been at the hospital less than 5 years — the other 50% of those surveyed — 29.3% remained satisfied with the collection, and 17.5% said their satisfaction had increased. Despite the increase in the number of resources and overall user satisfaction, misconceptions, confusion, and high expectations regarding e-resources still exist. The lessons learned and future goals identified in this survey will assist Library Services in its aim to clarify these issues by better educating users about online resources and by working more closely with various groups to facilitate access to our resources, both onsite and offsite.

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