Enterprise Digital Library Model Supports Public Health Workforce Development, Accreditation and Practice Initiatives

BACKGROUND:  Loss of budget for library resources, staffing, and space required for traditional libraries in Public Health Departments (PHDs) became the basis for the design of a new digital library model.  Problems in obtaining publications include time, cost, use of multiple libraries, incomplete holdings, and travel distance.  Preliminary survey results documented interest in having ubiquitous access to the published, peer-reviewed   literature to support evidence-based practice.  Discussions at meetings also revealed interest in having easy access to resources to support work initiatives.  Digital libraries, installed on PHD intranets, now provide direct access to databases, e-journals, books, reports, and standards, via IP authentication for anyone with valid credentials.  Project provides direction on Library install, link testing, training, and back-up library partnership to fill requests not in subscription.   

METHODS:  The “digital library” model requires:  (1) on-site preliminary meeting to introduce the project and document interest;  (2) PHD project team in place to advance development and monitor progress;  (3) technical team to develop/test intranet site;  (4) assignment of  library partner to assist with services and training; (5) onsite training to introduce library resources and tools that reside on the Digital Library Platform, and (6) ongoing communication with management team to advance the project .  The Digital Library management team provides oversight, collects data to support library content and interest, centrally reviews costs, implements training programs, manages collection, and employs evaluation processes to identify resources of interest and use.  Project is based on a data model that includes resources purchased, trainings held, year-end interviews, and focus group sessions to understand value of access, relationship of resources to practice, and challenges encountered in project development.  

RESULTS:  

PHDs have installed intranet-based digital libraries. Surveys and evaluation results indicate importance of the published literature to support grant applications, policy change, and need for literature review related to public health topics (e.g., childhood obesity prevention, tobacco cessation among pregnant women, and surveillance).  Participants cited interest in what other states were doing related to STDs, treatment programs, facility regulation policies, use of BRFSS data health, and promotion.  Access to the CLSI standards support public health labs; and functionality with government resources complement public health initiatives.  

CONCLUSIONS:  The Digital Library model provides real-time access to the scientific literature, supports training for PHD workforce and expands information technology already used by PHDs.  Use data provides cost-effective access to resources otherwise not available to public health departments.  Evaluation results indicate resources inform practice, accreditation, and demonstrate awareness.