The document discusses efforts by the University of Massachusetts Medical School to improve health information access in Liberia through their medical library program. It describes 4 visits between 2011-2012 to conduct needs assessments, process materials, and begin training library staff. Challenges included a lack of supplies, electricity, transportation, and basic skills training for staff. Subsequent sections detail introducing an automated library system, the training process, and ongoing efforts to collaborate with other organizations to expand access to health information in Liberia despite facing ongoing challenges.
Opportunities and Challenges in Providing Global Health Information in Liberia
1. Opportunities andOpportunities and
Challenges in ProvidingChallenges in Providing
Global HealthGlobal Health
Information in LiberiaInformation in Liberia
Elaine Martin
Andrew Creamer
James Comes
University of Massachusetts Medical School
2. 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
3. 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
4.
5.
6. 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
deliver
Training
modules
Obtain basic supplies
and containers for
transport, storage use
Conduct site visit when school
is in session to observe library
use & services
Once power, internet,
computer availability is
adequate, obtain and deliver
CDs, memory sticks,
software.
Install
software
Actions taken to
Resolve identified issues
Donated
books sorted
and
appropriate
items ready
for processing
Deliver supplies
PHASE1
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
PHASE 4
Liberia Medical Libraries
Upgrade Plan
17. 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
20. 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
24. 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
28. 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
37. Part 3: TeachingPart 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