CILIP Health Libraries Group Conference 2014 Report
Name: Suganthi Vijayaganesh
CILIP NO: 58478
Date: 24th & 25th July 2014
Location: Examination School, University of Oxford
The CILIP Health Libraries Group Conference is the premier event for information professionals
with a vested interest in health and social care. Attracting over 300 delegates from a variety of
sectors, the conference provides health information professionals with a unique opportunity to
network by attending the numerous impactful and interactive sessions.
I was delighted to attend my first ever experience of the HLG conference on 24th & 25th July at
Oxford due to a bursary grant. This has provided me with a unique opportunity to network and
keep up-to-date with latest developments in the health and social sectors by attending the various
interactive and excellent sessions. I have identified some key lectures that allowed me to gain
valuable information about best practices in other health settings and reflect on how my service
can benefit them from day one. The morning started with Plenaries covering various topics on
public health and the role and knowledge of library services. All these sessions extended my
knowledge about PHE strategy 2014 and key concepts of PHE knowledge and Library Services. I
particularly enjoyed the last plenary session by Anne Brice where she explained about how an
interactive knowledge base creates opportunities for library and information professionals to
deliver the high quality, evidence based services needed to support organisational objectives
through the development of a workforce. She has strongly recommended all library information
professionals build our evidence-based knowledge via e-infrastructure/e-portfolio/publish articles.
Recommendation to HEFT (Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust) Libraries: All staff to
publish more articles to build our evidence based knowledge services.
Key Themes:
 Topic: Promotion of a library service through the implementation Parallel of a webbased LMS - Lynsey Hawker explained a scenario where prior to LMS installation there may
be no online library catalogue/ E-membership cards /external web presence and how the
implementation of web based LMS in their library (Mental Health trust of Barnet, Enfield and
Haringey) have increased its profile across a trust. This session also covered how a webbased LMS has increased access to online resources for our users and easy access to print
and e-books. Some recommendations were also suggested such as a “Ask a librarian
service” and an “event session tab” to promote library services. Recommendation: To add
Events session tab on HEFT website for forthcoming events to advertise what’s going on in
libraries across three sites (Good Hope Hospital/Solihull Hospital/Heartlands Hospital)

Topic: MAPping professional collaboration: the challenges and benefits of
professional teamwork to develop an online toolkit Panel session - Jane Roberts and
Leanne Kendrick presented the history and value of the MAP Toolkit project that was
originally developed by library staff from various organisations across the North West. Key
points from the discussion included mapping the benefits and challenges/advantages of using
new technology to get things done; when we are miles apart we can use teleconferencing
/mailing lists/email instead of face-face meeting. Recommendation: To incorporate a case
study template on G drive to provide a structure for us to write up our project to share with
other HEFT sites.

Topic: Patient Information and cancer survivorship – This session was followed after the
session on rare diseases, familiar themes: The role of the information professional in
international collaboration by Michelle Hilton Boon. Carol-Ann Regan, Clinical Librarian,
Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust explained about the national cancer survivorship initiative
which aims to ensure that those living with and beyond cancer get the support they need to
live healthy active lives. They also produced a patient booklet to inform patients on how to
find quality and reliable health information on the net by judging the websites they use. I found
this session very useful as it demonstrated how librarians need to diversify services and
develop new ways of outreach to remain relevant in the sphere of health information.
Recommendation: To contact Macmillan cancer support /Breast Friends support service at
all three HEFT sites for topic displays.

Topic: A “Jack of all trades?” The key skills of health information professionals – Dr.
Barbara Sen presented an EAHIL funded mixed methods project that has provided an
overview of the roles, skills and training needs of health information professionals across
Europe and beyond. She talked about the importance of their skills and a range of challenges
that participants faced in their jobs. Participants in the focus group and interviews tended not
to mention their LIS specific skills until prompted. It was highlighted that they take these skills
for granted or struggle to express their unique selling point. She also explained various
methods of acquiring skills through the library school degree that was seen as a foundation,
with CPD and the workplace experience. I felt these points are important to note as we do not
express our unique selling point to other staff and we often accept the lack of appreciation
from other staff. Recommendation: Look out for professional development opportunities to
enhance our professional skills and also bring new ideas regarding technological trends
Highlight of the event:
CILIP Debate: "This House believes patient care would improve if hospitals cut librarian posts
to fund more nursing hours"
This interesting session was debated by 5 professionals on the basis of evidence VS facts .The idea
behind this debate was to have a lively member discussion about ‘hot topics’ and to prepare some
key questions to pose to politicians prior to next year’s elections. Some key questions and concerns
were raised by the delegates such as whether cutting librarians would save a significant sum because
the number of post is so small. Several said librarians need be proactive and to demonstrate their
value to patient care. The conference voted 88 percent against and 12 percent for the motion.
Overall, I have had a unique experience on these two days that provided me more insight to all
sectors and opportunity to network with all professionals.